Guy Owen Choate Jr., 87, of Belle Rive, IL passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Taylorville Care Center in Taylorville, IL. Guy was born on January 11, 1939 in Taylorville, IL to Guy & Eales (Baker) Choate. On March 9, 2016 he married Sue (Green) Choate, who survives.
Guy retired from the Firestone in Decatur, IL after a 30-year career. He was also Chairman of the United Rubber Workers Local #713. He was a former EMT and the Assistant Chief for the Belle Rive Fire Department, and served on the Belle Rive Village Board. He was a Master Mason and he was a Bible believing Christian.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hiking in the Shawnee National Forest. He loved his family, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Guy is survived by his wife Sue Choate, his children: Guy Choate III & wife Debbie, Steven Choate & wife Sandra, Cyndi Thomasson & husband Ralph; step-children: Jim Fleming, Connie Semon, Becky McCleery, and Jay Semon & wife Amy; 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and niece April Hannant.
He was preceded in death by his parents Guy & Eales Choate, and his sister Sally Davenport.
A graveside funeral service for Guy Owen Choate Jr. will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Flint-Belle Rive Cemetery in Belle Rive, IL with Pastor Eric Ragan officiating and Masonic funeral rites. Those attending are asked to meet directly at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Guy’s memory to the Flint-Belle Rive Cemetery Association and will be accepted at the service, or at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro, IL.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com
