Search by Name

Search by Name

David Choate Obituary

CHOATE David B., Ph.D., 59, husband of Amy Rutenberg, died Tues., July 25, 2006 in Easton, MD. Born in Galveston, TX, he was a son of the late Julian and Addie Beddoe Choate. A mathematics professor for 21 years at Transylvania University, he was also a member of First United Methodist Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Ruth Marie Choate, Aaron Paul Choate and David Alan Choate; a brother and sister, Ruth Ann (Alan) Richards, Arlington, TN and Paul (Carla) Choate, Galveston, TX; in-laws, Aaron and Elizabeth Rutenberg, Oak Ridge, TN; brother- in-law, Alan Rutenberg, Arlington, VA; as well as nieces and nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. A brother, Robert Choate, preceded him in death. Funeral services will be 11 AM Thurs. at the First United Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Todd Nelson. Burial will follow at the Lexington Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Mark Richards, Alan Richards, Alan Rutenberg, David Shannon, Mike LeVan and James Miller. W.R. Milward Mortuary-Broadway is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or to Transylvania University , Educational Trust for the children. milwardfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Jul. 30, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for David Choate

Not sure what to say?





Genie McFall

August 6, 2006

Amy, I was so sorry to hear about David. You spoke so lovingly about David and the Memorial Service was such a tribute to him. When I left the service, I felt like I had been given an opportunity to know a wonderful man who was brillant, a teacher, a man who was quiet yet commanding in his presence, and a loving father and husband who adored his family. Amy, please keep in touch and call if I can help you and your family in any way.

Vicki Schraub

August 6, 2006

Amy,

Please know I am so sorry for your loss. Remember we are all here for you,Ruth,Aaron and Davie, so please don't hesitate to call. Rest assured that the good Lord will get you through this and help you to be stronger each day. May peace be with you and your family.

Richard Russell

August 4, 2006

Dear Amy and children,



I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know David at the Aspen Institute this summer; I was in his discussion group and present when he passed away. We had a good conversation about our shared Christian faith one night at supper. He was a lovely Christian man with a delightful sense of humor and a gentle spirit, as you know. He was very proud of his family and shared with us his love for you and the children. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss, yet I know he is with our Lord and Savior today in heaven.



God's peace be upon you all.



Dr. Richard Rankin Russell

Department of English

Baylor University

Waco, TX 76708

Jean Bush

August 4, 2006

Dear Amy and children,



I am sorry about your loss and wanted you to know that I will be praying for God to grant you peace during your time of grief. If there is anything I can do for you please feel free to call upon me. May God bless you and the children.

Love in Christ,

Jean Bush

Meg Saunders

July 31, 2006

Amy, Ruth, Aaron, & David-

I got the sad news over email...I am so sorry for your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or the kids. I will certianly keep you in my prayers.

Much love,

meg

Jay Moseley

July 31, 2006

Dear Amy,

David was a good man--kind, honest, brilliant, and humorous--who was devoted to helping students and colleagues somehow see the beauty of mathematics. You and Ruthie and the boys brought a warm smile to his face and a twinkle to his eye. I admired, respected, and genuinely liked him. In sympathy,

Missy Palmer

July 31, 2006

Amy:

I wish I had something truly comforting to say to make you feel better. You are the strongest woman I know. David and I will be praying for you and the kids. Please feel free to call for anything.

Veronica Tichenor

July 31, 2006

Dear Amy, Sorry to hear about Mr. Choate. I was the children's childcare teacher at North Ymca. My prayers are with you and the children. May God bless all of you! Ms. V

Bonnie Shearer

July 31, 2006

Amy:

Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids!!! I am sorry for your loss and you have my sympathy. Please know if there is ANYTHING you need just ask. May you find the strength within from your faith in God.

Sincerely,

Jill Ohlson

July 31, 2006

Mrs. Choate,

I am an IBM employee that took classes under Dr. Choate during the IBM/Transy Computer Science period (1986-1989) -wow it's been 20 years ago now...seems like yesterday...



Dr. Choate was a wonderful teacher. I love math and always enjoyed his classes. He taught with great humor and great seriousness at the same time.



I had the pleasure of meeting your sons at the YMCA North when they were with their father while he was exercising.



My prayers are with you and your children in this difficult time.

Sara Spragens

July 30, 2006

Amy,

I just happened to meet Ruth when she was playing with my daughter, Claire, at the Transy picnic. I then turned to see you and Dr. Choate, and remembered fondly to everyone at my table how hilarious he was in class, even while he made me struggle far beyond my limits in algebra! He was a genius! I really liked him. I have so been sympathizing with you as you go through this with your children at my same age. I cannot imagine it, and just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you all.

Sincerely,

Sara Spragens '88

Howard H. Willen

July 30, 2006

Dear Amy and Children,

It was my great joy to receive your family into the membership of First Church. I am so sorry to learn of the death of David. Please know of our love and prayers.

Howard H. Willen

Pastor, 1994-2000

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in David Choate's name

Memorial Events
for David Choate

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Choate's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more