Richard “Rick” Willis Choate, Jr. passed away on April 28, 2019, surrounded by loved ones in Enid, Oklahoma. He was 66. Born in Enid, Oklahoma to Betty and Richard Choate, Sr., he was smart and skillful, growing into a hands-on young man working with his father drilling water wells around Enid.
Rick was a graduate of Enid High School. A standout athlete and great friend, he spent his free time competing in sports and socializing. After high school, Rick traveled and worked in the oil fields while honing his craft in construction before starting his own general contracting and water well company back in Enid.
Rick was tremendously skilled in his field and had no limitation on his creativity and problem solving. His acumen translated into the artful ability to make or fix virtually anything. Always thinking ahead, he operated with precision and planning.
He valued loyalty and hard work and stood up for himself. When he wasn’t working on a project or coaching, he enjoyed the simple things in life. Rick was a proud father to three children, Channing, Nick, and Connor, and one step-son, Shane.
He was their coach, mentor, guardian, and disciplinarian; instilling manners, academics, athletics, and music in his kids. His children’s favorite quality about him was that he had a big heart, possessing a quirky, secretive way of helping others. He believed that everyone, including those with disadvantages, deserved to be treated the same, going out of his way to make someone’s day with a wink, hand shake, or a thank you to somebody that would never expect it.
Left to cherish their memories of him are his children Channing E. Choate, Christian “Nick” Choate, and Connor L. Choate; step-son Shane Poplin and his wife Addie, and their two children, Hannah and Haizlee; Rick’s girlfriend, Karen Lash. A special thank you to Karen Lash, who loved him unconditionally, illustrated by sacrificing her time to travel for countless appointments and continuous emotional and physical care these past five years. Thanks to his much beloved nurse, Angela Riggs, for her devoted care throughout his illness.
To honor Rick, his family is holding a private memorial and celebration of his life. Condolences may be made online at www. AndersonBurris.com.
In the event you would like to reach out to the family, Anderson Burris can put you in touch with Rick’s daughter, Channing. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Stephenson Cancer Center at OU Medical. giving.
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