Lee Choat

Lee Roy Choat, 87, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 3:28 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at his home.

He was born July 10, 1934, in Gideon, Missouri, a son of the late Harlon and Dora (Chandler) Choat. He married the love of his life, Pauline (Constant) Choat on July 27, 1953, in Malden, Missouri and she passed away on June 24, 2004. Lee retired in 1985 from General Motors in Bowling Green, Kentucky after 30 years of dedicated service as a forklift operator in the Corvette Division. He was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Labor Union and was a United States Army veteran who served his country stationed in Germany from 1957 until 1959.

Lee loved watching and listening to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball, never missing a game. He instilled the love of playing ball in his children, coaching his son with baseball and his two daughters in softball in their early years. He enjoyed these years of cheering on his children and their teammates, never missing a game or tournament, and was even known to barbeque for the teams on many occasions. He also enjoyed watching old movies and a good western movie. He cherished his grandchildren and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his entire family and many friends.

He is survived by two daughters, Donna (Richard) Heinke of Staunton and Diana (Bill) Libby of Rochester, New Hampshire; a son, Jimmy (Becky) Choat of Belleville; four grandchildren, Richard (Amanda Rozhon) Heinke II, Kelsey (John Workins) Libby, Morgan Choat, and Kaylie Choat; a brother, James (Nancy) Choat of Granite City; a sister, Carolyn (Ronnie) Smith of Granite City; several nieces; nephews; other extended family and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife of 51 years and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Roger Choat, and two sisters, Wilma and Viola Choat.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Mark Maynard officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon. Memorials may be made to the ALS Association – St. Louis Regional, 1950 Craig Road, St. Louis, MO 63146 and may be accepted at the funeral home. www.irwinchapel.com

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home