R. Matthew Choate

R. Matthew Choate, 59, of Sullivan, Missouri passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 14, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at Mercy Hospital – Saint Louis. 

Raymond Matthew Choate was born on September 13, 1964, in Perryville, Missouri, to Donald and Segretta (Colbert) Choate.

Growing up in Saint Ann, Missouri, Matt was a proud graduate of Rittner High School, class of 1983. It was not long after his high school career that he met the love of his life, Kimberly Montgomery, through mutual friends. The couple married on March 13, 1985, and were blessed with three daughters: Heather, Tiffany, and Haley. Matt and Kim began their journey together in Saint Louis before moving to Sullivan in 1993, where they made their final home and raised their family.

Professionally, Matt was a dedicated member of the Roofers Union Local 2, where he built a successful career until he took an early retirement at the age of 48 due to a hereditary health condition. His work ethic and commitment to his craft were admired by his colleagues and friends.

Even after retiring, Matt remained active and engaged in numerous hobbies. An avid fisherman, a skilled woodworker, and a passionate gardener, he took particular pride in the flower gardens he cultivated for Kim, which were always a spectacular display of his love and green thumb. His vegetable gardens were equally bountiful, providing a rich harvest that he generously shared with family and friends.

Matt's faith played a central role in his life. He and Kim attended services at Meramec Valley Baptist Church, where they both surrendered their lives to Christ. Matt was saved at the age of 38 and soon after followed in believers' baptism. He cherished the fellowship at Meramec Valley and never shied away from sharing his faith with others, particularly within his family.

A lifelong football enthusiast, Matt's favorite team was the Patriots. He was known as the ultimate father, grandfather, and husband, with a knack for fixing anything and everything. From sewing curtains for Kim to mending stuffed animals for his grandchildren, Matt's hands were never idle. His ability to cherish and value the simple pleasures of family and simple living made him a pillar of strength and love. Matt's family was the joy of his life, and his legacy of kindness, generosity, and faith will live on through them. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Kimberly; his daughters, Heather Choate and husband Mike Cherry of Bourbon, Missouri, Tiffany Ritter and husband Zach of Hondo, TX, and Haley Van Wyk and husband Kyle of San Antonio, TX; his adoring grandchildren: Birdie, Jett, Brooks, Maren, Hudson, Hazel, Kade, Jackson, Brantley, Hayden, Madi and Bryce; soon to be great – grandpa; three brothers: Donnie Choate and wife Maggie of Magnolia, TX, Jamie Choate and wife Carmen of Katy, TX, and John Choate of Saint Ann, MO; and his mother in law, Linda Purviance; other relatives and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Segretta; and his father in law, Fred Purviance. 

Funeral Service will be 10 AM, Friday, July 19, 2024 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Interment will follow at the Schmidt Cemetery in Sullivan. 

Visitation will be 4 – 7 PM, Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the Eaton Funeral Home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sepsis Alliance.

Friends may send their online condolences to Matt’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com 

All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.