Joel Patrick Choate

CHOATE, Joel Patrick - Age 93, formerly of Swartz Creek, passed away peacefully at his residence in Richmond, Virginia on November 15, 2024. Joel was born September 16, 1931 in Flint, Michigan, the son of Graydon and Ocia (Hughes) Choate. He married Barbara Eileen Butcher on September 13, 1958 in Fenton. Joel was a proud US Navy veteran on active duty during the Korean War from 1951-1955. A tool guy all his life, he was a skilled tradesman at General Motors for 32 years followed by a second career as a property assessor with Mundy Township. Joel was a devoted family man, avid sports fan (Go Lions, Spartans, and Wolverines!), a golfer, gardener and longtime member of Mundy Presbyterian Church in Swartz Creek. Joel and Barbara moved to Virginia in 2021 to be near their family but never forgot their beloved home state of Michigan.

Joel is survived by his daughters, Lisa Jackson and Christa (Jeffrey) Hudalla; grandchildren, Alicia Hudalla, Joel (Caitrin) Hudalla, Christopher (fiancé Rachel) Hudalla, and was adored by all his grandanimals.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents Graydon and Ocia, wife Barbara, sisters Jean, Betty, and Peggy and brothers Raymond, Jake, and Randolph.

A celebration of Joel and Barbara’s life will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 12 noon, at Sharp Funeral Home, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton (The service will be lived streamed and can be viewed via the link on Joel's obituary page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com); visitation 10:30 AM Thursday until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

Those desiring may make contributions to Carriage Town Ministries, 705 Garland St, Flint, MI 48503 or a charity of their choosing.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com