Edward Mack Choate

Edward Mack Choate was born on July 18, 1941, in Polk County and was the fourth son born to Wilfred James Clarence and Ruth Alberta (Cates) Choate. He departed this life on May 9, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. He was saved in the fall of 1955 and joined Schofield Missionary Baptist Church, where he and his brother Vester faithfully attended until Vester's death in 2024. Edward and Judy Covert were married in 1963 and to this union of 20 years was born one daughter, Rhonda Renae. In 1987 he married Bonnie Hix and they resided near Halfway until Bonnie passed away in 2017. Edward suffered a stroke that left him impaired on his right side and unable to speak. Upon Bonnie's death he was welcomed into Vester's home, who was his devoted caretaker for the next seven years. Needing assisted care, Edward then went to live at Colonial Springs Nursing Home in Buffalo, where he remained until the short illness leading to his death. Edward received attentive care and enjoyed good food at Colonial – although he kept plenty of snacks hidden away in his room just in case he needed one before mealtime. Special friends and family were good to keep him stocked with Nutter Butter cookies, candy and the largest jar of peanut butter you could buy. He was especially protective of his "stash", which was always within arm's reach. Edward attended Halfway Schools and graduated Buffalo High School. He worked at several occupations during his life--farmer, machine shop employee, pest control worker, warehouseman, meat cutter, hospital maintenance and truck driver – which was his favorite. He loved his "truckin' buddies", telling stories about life on the road and seeing new and interesting places. Raised on a farm, he was strong enough and could wrestle a wild calf to the ground, wield a nasty chain saw, lift more than one human should be able to and tell funny jokes! He always enjoyed a good joke and would laugh the loudest when he told one himself! Didn't care much for horses but – like his father always did – enjoyed a good hunting dog. He loved to fish and anytime he and Rhonda went, the fish got bigger each time they shared their stories about the fun day. Anyone that knew Ed would not want to have been slapped by him – he wore a size 14 ring on what was probably the largest hands in all of Polk County. He is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Renae and husband Michael Sneed, two granddaughters, Lindsey and husband Brandon Treat, Ashlyn Sneed and partner Cedric Morgan and his son Baker, all of Willard, MO. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Delcie Choate of Halfway and Jane Choate of Rolla, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Ruth Choate, his three brothers, Wilfred "Junior" Choate, Vester Choate and Delbert Choate, as well as two nephews, Aaron Lee Choate and Farron Lee Choate. During his last day, Rhonda found the Grace to let him know it was okay to release life and meet his Heavenly Father. Even though he was without speech, the anticipation in his eyes told her what he meant by smiling, nodding and pointing towards the Heavens. Visitation and services will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, with the visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and funeral services starting at 11:00 AM Burial will follow at Rock Prairie Cemetery.