Sonny Chanate

Sonny Chanate, as most know him by, was born February 16, 1974, to Jake and Cathy Chanate in Tahlequah, OK. Sonny spent all his life in Tahlequah, attended Tahlequah Schools, and graduated from Sequoyah High School in 1992. Sonny was a fighter and survivor; he was a heart transplant recipient, receiving his gift of life on November 12th, 2021. Sonny was called home peacefully in his sleep on July 3rd, 2023.

Sonny met the love of his life Kamichia, in May 1993, and together they have two children, Ahliyah and Phy-Shaun (Robert) Chanate. He is Papa to his grand-dogs Clover and Biddy Chanate.

Sonny loved to rabbit hunt, not so much for the hunt but to listen to the music of his beagles while they were on the rabbit trail. He liked working on cars and tinkering with electronics and his CB radios. He listened to the scanner religiously and was relied upon to report whatever the scanner was saying. He was the family and neighborhood weatherman, always watching the weather to keep friends and family safe. He enjoyed telling family stories of times passed; he had an excellent memory. He thoroughly enjoyed his childhood at his Granny and Papa Chuc’s home place and spending time with his beloved uncles in the Peavine Community. This was his happy place.

Sonny knew many people. He was kind. He was a jokester. He never had anything bad to say about anyone, and he would shake the hand of his enemy. This was the person that he was. If he accepted you then he loved you. He has many friends and family from all across the country.

His greatest accomplishment in life was his children. He supported anything and everything they took part in. He loved coaching his daughter and nieces in softball when they were younger and supporting his son and the Pride of Sequoyah as a Band Dad. He hung the moon for his kids and then some.

He leaves behind, to cherish his memory, his wife Kamichia, children Ahliyah and Phy-Shaun; grand-dogs Biddy and Clover; sisters Debbie Chanate-McCarty, and Mary Chanate, both of Tahlequah. His cousins Dan Chuculate of Peavine, and Kelly Fabor (Chuculate) of Muldrow, his adopted brothers LS Fields of Marble City, Darryle Trammell of Stilwell, and “EP” Eddie Paul of Cherokee, NC, and Larry Webber of Tahlequah. His nephew and nieces, Christopher, Robyn, Danielle, Scarlett, and great niece, Somie and a host of friends, extended family and adopted nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Jake and Cathy Chanate, his maternal grandparents Felix and Pauline Chuculate, paternal grandparents, Morris (Jiggs) Toppah and wife Jobina, Bobbie Colleen Bruner and husband Jimmy, great-grandmother Isabell Amaunkamo Two Hatchett and his beloved Uncles Bud, Larry, and Mitchell Chuculate, cousin Stanley Chuculate and his favorite hunting dog Missy.

The family asks in lieu of flowers to please consider donating to the following organizations in memory of Sonny and please consider registering as an organ donor through TRIO Oklahoma, National Kidney Foundation, or Donate Life America.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life for Sonny will be held on Friday, July 14th, 2023 at 11:00am at Mid County Community Building, 75371 Highway 59, Westville, OK. The family request that you please consider wearing your favorite OU Shirt in honor of Sonny. A reception will be held following services.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reedculver.com for the Chanate family.