Thomas Earl Choate

Thomas Earl Choate 82 years old Vancouver, WA Date of death, April 18, 2015 Passed at Discovery Nursing and Rehab in Vancouver WA Died of natural causes Born: June 12, 1932 In, Vienna Illinois Father: Thomas Choate, Mother: Beulah Choate Married to Janet Scott in 1980 Graduated from Corbett High School in 1950 Thomas enlisted in the US Air Force in 1950 and served during Korea. He was stationed State side at Muroc AFB (later named Edwards AFB) in California, and Eilson AFB in Alaska where he was an Air Policeman with the 5010th Air Police Squadron. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1954 and received the National Defense Service Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal. Thomas worked and retired from Pitney Bowes as a Service Representative of office equipment. In his retirement he enjoyed working at Northwest Performance and 4 Wheel Drive in Portland, OR. Thomas was born in Illinois and moved with his Mother and Father to the Columbia River George in his early teens. After his discharge from the Air Force he lived in Portland Oregon and for more than 30 years he resided in Southeast Portland on Ankeny Street. In his early years Thomas enjoyed golfing and playing cards. He was always interested in cars and anything mechanical. In his later years, with the help of his son Adam and many of his friends he built two race cars that were driven at Portland Speedway. Thomas was a long time member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles Lodge and the American Legion. Thomas is survived by his son Adam Choate, daughter in law Denise Choate, and his granddaughter Denaya Mae Choate. Thomas was preceded in death by his father Thomas Choate, and Mother Beulah Choate. Funeral services will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on May 1st at 10:30am A celebration of life will be held on Saturday May 2nd at the Vancouver Masonic Lodge, 2500 NE 78th Street Vancouver, WA 98665 (please park in rear) from 2pm to 5pm For information call Adam 360-909-4931 or Denise 360-909-1111 In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to a local humane society or The Wounded Warrior Project. Thank you to Jan Scott for taking care of Dad after his amputation and providing a loving caring atmosphere for him to recover in. Thank you to the staff at Cascade Inn who made him feel welcome and at home. Thank you to the staff at Discovery Nursing and Rehab for keeping Dad comfortable and well cared for during the last days of his life. And thank you to my amazing wife Denise for your continued support, compassion and a comfortable shoulder to cry on. A loving, devoted father and grandfather.

Thomas Earl Choate

June 12, 1932 - April 18, 2015