Francis Hoyte (Sonney) Choate passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at the age of 86. He was born on July 5, 1938 in Cooper, TX and graduated from Cooper High School with the class of 1956. He graduated from East Texas State University with a BSBA in 1961.

Hoyte was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Ann Cade Choate of Kerens, his parents, Caldwell and Frances Choate of Sulphur Springs, TX, and sister Sherria Rouse and her husband Robert of Cooper, TX. He is survived by his son Barry and wife Sandra of Malakoff, TX, daughter Catherine and husband Ronnie of Magnolia, TX, and brother Randell and wife Carolyn of Rockwall, TX. Hoyte is also survived by grandchildren Hunter Choate and wife D'Anna of Malakoff, TX, Tanner Kiker and husband Seth of Rotan, TX, and John Schindler of Magnolia, TX. He was the proud great-grandfather of and is also survived by Jordin and Riley Choate of Malakoff, and Kydee, Taylee, and Tegan Kiker of Rotan, TX. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Hoyte was a Sgt. in the Army National Guard Infantry, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and the President of the Central Texas Teachers Credit Union in Corsicana, TX for 26 years. He served on the Kerens ISD School Board for many years and was an active member of the First Methodist Church of Kerens for over 60 years. Over the years he and Carolyn helped plan and chaperone many camping trips and dinners for the Methodist Youth Foundation and enjoyed cooking for the annual Lord's Acre.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm at Paschal's Funeral Home in Kerens, TX on Friday, September, 27, 2024. Funeral services will be at 2 pm at First Methodist Church in Kerens, TX on Saturday, September 28, 2024 with Reverend Jake Wade officiating. Pallbearers will be Bart Latta, Danny Reaves, Eric Olson, Michael Schindler, Kenny Berry, and Dylan Latta. Burial will be at the Kerens Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the First Methodist Church of Kerens or to your favorite charity in his memory.