Anthony Rex “Tony” Choate Sr., 56, Elma resident and former diesel/heavy equipment mechanic for Weyerhaeuser at Longview, died Saturday, May 18, 2019, at his home in Elma.

Tony was born on Nov. 19, 1962, in Redding, California to Anthony Kay and Ruth Ann (Joiner) Choate. His family moved to Packwood, Washington where he grew up and attended White Pass High School. He moved to Lamar, Arkansas in 1983 and lived there until moving back to Packwood in 1988. He then went to Centralia College and received a degree in Diesel Technology. After graduating in 1992, he returned to Lamar and went to work for Tyson Foods. In 2003, he moved to Elma and went to work at Weyerhaeuser in Longview until he became ill.

On Jan. 11, 1983, Tony married Sherry Ellen Ward in Tenino, Washington. She resides at the family home.

Tony loved his family above everything. He enjoyed fishing, playing with his granddaughters, camping and classic cars.

Tony is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sherry E. Choate of Elma; three sons: Anthony Jr., Ernest and Wayne Choate all of Elma; a daughter-in-law, Kate Choate of Aberdeen; a brother Troy Choate of Oregon; two sisters: Deborah Cole of Packwood, Washington and Bobbye Choate of Elma; three grandchildren: Vivian, Violet, Ellen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of Tony’s life on Saturday, June 22, at 1 p.m. at the Landmark Apostolic Church in Montesano, Washington.

A message of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.