Donald Choate

Donald L. Choate, 79, of Fairview Heights, IL, born on July 2, 1938, in Potosi, MO, died peacefully on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at his residence in the presence of his daughter, Christy after battling lung cancer.

Donald grew up in East St. Louis, IL and graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School. A right handed pitcher, he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1956 and was traded to the San Francisco Giants in 1959. His career ended after an injury to his pitching arm. Later, he became a firefighter in East St. Louis and retired from that job in 1998 after 27 years of service. Don enjoyed bowling on a Thursday night league and working in his yard whenever the weather allowed.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Choate, nee Kean; his grandsons, Anthony Choate and Brandon Reinhardt; his parents, Morris Leon and Dora Altus, nee Glore, Choate; his brother, Larry Choate; and his brother in law, Charlie Lemp.

Donald is survived by his children, Cally (Ranley) Killian, Christy A. Choate, Douglas Scott Choate, and Pamela Bruce; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and his siblings, Raymond (Toni) Choate, Brenda Lix, and Jeanie Lemp.

Memorials may be made to Vitas Hospice in Fairview Heights, IL or to the American Lung Association.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL, on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:30 a.m.

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