The funeral for Max Choate, 85, will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday July 3, 2021, at Hennessey High School Auditorium, with Rev. P.J. Stewart officiating.

Burial will follow at Hennessey Cemetery under the direction of Cordry-Gritz Funeral Home.

Max was born at Lacy on April 11, 1936, to Lyndell H. and Delouris "Dee" Thompson Choate and died Wednesday June 30, 2021, at his home in Hennessey. 

He married Wanda Thompson in Hennessey on November 25, 1955. 

Max was a caring and generous person. He helped many young people through the years, helping them establish credit, loaning money, or giving sound advice. 

He played rough with his children, nieces and nephews, giving them "eyers", pulling their noses and ears, and they always came back for more. He taught most of his grandchildren to drive. He went to football games for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren even though he said he didn't understand or care for the game. He watched OU and OSU football and some pro teams with Wanda who is an avid football fan. 

Max never liked a nine to five job. He was happiest when he was trading horses, tractors, or going to an auction. 

Later when Wanda retired, they enjoyed going camping and riding horses. Max and his grandson Ryan purchased a ranch where they rode the razors and had family and friends come to hunt deer and turkey, fish, or just relax.

Max liked it when people thought he was younger than his eighty-five years. He was proud to announce to all his sixty-five years of marriage.

Upon learning of his illness, he gave most of his gun collection away to family members. 

Max is survived by his wife Wanda of the home; four sons, Kevin Choate and wife Karen of Enid, Kenny Choate and wife Terri of Helena, Kelly Choate of Edmond, Kyle Choate and wife Shannon of Hennessey; one daughter, Kyla Norman and husband Mark of Enid; seven grandchildren, Sharon Kline, Brittany Martinez, Blake Choate, Ty Choate, Kylene Norman, Russ Choate, Ryan Choate; seven great-grandchildren, Sedona Kline, Rayne Edwards, Rogan Choate, Khyren Faison, Conrad Martinez, Castian Martinez, Khloee Sparrow, and one on the way; two sisters, Marilyn Choate and Margie Light. 

Max was preceded in death by his parents Lyndell and Dee Choate, and three brothers, Dewayne Choate, Don Choate, and L.D. Choate. 
 

Memorial donations may be made in his name to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, with the funeral home serving as custodian of the fund.