John Thomas Choate

John Thomas Choate, a beloved and cherished member of the Gilbert, Arizona community, passed away on August 15, 2025, at the age of 84. Known for his devotion to family and friends, John was a man of many talents and interests.

Born on February 27, 1941, in Nacogdoches, Texas, John T. Choate graduated from Broaddus High School. His early life set the foundation for a lifetime of achievements and contributions.

John served his country with honor as a Corporal E-4 Military Policeman in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge on October 5, 1962. Following his military service, he built a successful career in retail with S.H. Kress and Choate Fabrics.

After retiring, he frequently volunteered with the Salvation Army. One of his most rewarding experiences was assisting with the cleanup efforts at the World Trade Center following the 9/11 attacks.

On May 14, 1977, John married Somphone (Summer) Sourprasith in Maui, Hawaii. Together, they created a loving family, raising their children and enjoying life’s journey.

John was a dedicated member of the Mesa West Rotary Club and had a passion for painting, where his natural eye for color and detail shone brightly. He loved to read, often saying as he got older, that he could travel the world through his books. He was also an avid follower of the stock market and real estate, always staying informed and engaged. His appreciation for simple routines included frequenting his favorite restaurants, catching a dinner show, or enjoying the thrill of a rollercoaster. A true sports enthusiast, John especially loved football and basketball, relishing the camaraderie of watching a good game. He even worked at both the Phoenix Suns Arena and Arizona Diamondbacks Stadium, occasionally enjoying concerts that took place there.

He is survived by his wife, Somphone (Summer) Choate; his son, John Choate, Jr.; daughters Jennifer Cruz Williams, Ivy Castellanos, Elizabeth Price, and Vanessa Dias; grandchildren Ty Choate, Clay Choate, Brooke Griffin, Andres Cruz, Vance Price, Courtney Price, Rowan Dias, Christian Dias, Cree Castellanos, Elle Dias, and Hayes Castellanos; and great-grandchildren Karter Griffin and Kolt Griffin. He is also survived by his siblings Larry Choate, Marilyn Choate, and Susan Wilde.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 22, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Lakeshore Mortuary, located at 1815 South Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202.

John Thomas Choate will be remembered for his devoted spirit and the joy he brought to those around him.