Carl Stephen Choate

Carl Stephen "Steve" Choate, 77, of Burnet, Texas, passed away on March 9, 2026, in Burnet, Texas.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Vanderveer St Church of Christ, Burnet, Texas.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Joshua Guenter, Brent Guenter. Austin Choate, Sean Choate, Steve Randall and Joe Williams

Steve was born on September 5, 1948, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Percy Choate and Dolly Choate, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from Cumberland High School in Nashville in 1966 and went on to attend Belmont University from 1966 to 1970.

Known to many simply as Steve, and lovingly as Granddad and to some as "Grangrad," he was a man defined above all by his faith. Those who knew him best describe him as faithful, loyal, thoughtful, and kind. His relationship with Jesus was the foundation of his life. Christ was his closest friend and confidant, guiding how he lived, loved, and cared for others each day.

Steve built a long and dedicated career marked by hard work and integrity. He worked for Pepsi Cola, serving as a General Manager for 21 years from 1980 to 2001. He later worked at Big Shot from 2002 to 2007 and continued serving his community as a bus driver from 2008 until his retirement in 2019. No matter the role, Steve approached his work with consistency, humility, and genuine care for the people around him.

A devoted member of the Church of Christ in Burnet, Steve faithfully attended services, participated in Bible studies, and often led them. Sharing scripture and encouraging others in their faith brought him great joy, and his steady presence made a lasting impact on his church family.

Steve found happiness in life's simple blessings. He loved spending time with family and friends, traveling to the beach, and watching sunsets, moments that reflected his appreciation for God's creation. He enjoyed playing golf throughout much of his life, even as age made the game more challenging, and he remained a devoted fan of all things Texas Longhorns, always knowing what was happening with his team. Sports had been part of his life since childhood, when he loved playing baseball, and later he took immense pride in watching his great-granddaughters participate in their many sports and activities.

Above all else, Steve treasured his family. He is survived by his children: Deborah Corbin and husband Rodney Corbin; Steve Choate and wife Mindy Choate; Michael Choate and wife Anna Choate; and Kevin Choate. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Joshua Guenter and spouse Gina Truong; Brent Guenter and wife Caitlyn Guenter; Shelby Metcalf; Sean Choate; Lily Choate; and Austin Choate, along with four great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Percy Choate; his mother, Dolly Choate; and his sister, Patricia Price.

Steve will be remembered as a steady and loving presence, a man whose faith was not only spoken but lived daily through kindness, loyalty, and quiet devotion. While his family grieves his passing, they find peace in the hope he held firmly throughout his life, that through Christ, this goodbye is not forever. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the example of faith he leaves behind.