Geoffrey Neal Choppin

Geoffrey Neal Choppin passed away on October 30, 2025, peacefully surrounded by the love and comfort of family and friends. Born in Baton Rouge in 1955, Geoff was a proud graduate of University Lab School (1974) and LSU (1978). While still in college, he began serving as a reserve deputy with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, later becoming a detective after graduation. He went on to a long and respected career in loss prevention with Wilson’s Jewelers, Service Merchandise, and AutoZone, where he eventually retired. Geoff brought dedication, steadiness, and heart to everything he did, especially to his family, who were the center of his world.

Geoff was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Emelda, and his siblings, Ricky and Margaret “Tootie”. He is survived by his loving wife Beverly; his daughter Amanda and son-in-law Jason McAllister; son Neal and daughter-in-law Jamie; grandchildren Catherine McAllister (Monkey 1), Caroline McAllister (Monkey 2), Claire Choppin (Monkey Bear), and Rabb Choppin (Bugger); and siblings, Lorraine Leblanc (Bookie), Chris Choppin (Shelly), and Catherine Choppin (Shari). He was privileged to be Godfather to Jeremy Clark, Kelsey Clark, Lindsay Shelton Ellis, and Griff Strain, as well as “Uncle” to many more.

Geoff was an avid motorcycle rider and collector, so he became known as “Spoke” to all the grandkids and army of loved ones. He was Founder and Chief Cook for the Chosen Krewe of LSU tailgaters since 1975. He loved LSU football and baseball, including his and Beverly’s first trip to Omaha this year.

Spoke has always been there for his family and friends. He was House Manager and alum advisor for Theta Xi Fraternity and later became President of the HOA at Phoenix X in Orange Beach. He was glad to help any of his Krewe with a fixit problem, for cars, houses, or especially motorcycles. Forever known as the gatekeeper of “odd knowledge,” he loved sharing what he knew and teaching the rest of us something new.

He loved to travel, enjoyed Jimmy Buffet and a Bushwacker on the beach, and chasing his grandkids around Disney while talking about “Mickey Magic,” with family and friends by his side. We all wanted to come back as one of Geoffy’s dogs. He loved Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Wayne, and was a true patriot.

His grandkids adorned his hospital room with wonderful artwork tributes to Spoke. One granddaughter, referencing the compass he gave her in Maine, left him a note on a Heart, writing “for all the treasures you have gotten me along our ‘journies’! But you will eventually get to the finish line.” We will miss him terribly, and struggle to keep things on track without him, but we are thankful he reached the finish line in peace and love. He is at home.

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff at Ochsner New Orleans – Main Campus for their compassionate and professional care, and a special thanks to his nurse, Edna, a true angel on earth.

Visitation for Spoke will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church on November 4, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until noon, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. In keeping with his spirit, the family invites friends to wear colors that reflect his warmth and love of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to Ronald McDonald House at St. Jude’s Hospital or to DSAG-Baton Rouge (Down Syndrome Awareness Group), and in a heartfelt nod to Spoke, keep collecting pop tops for the cause he loved.

Memorial Contribution Details:

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis, 535 Alabama Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105

Down Syndrome Awareness Group of Baton Rouge, P.O. Box 82378, Baton Rouge, LA 70884, https://dsagbr.org/donate-now/