Bernie was born in Jefferson City, MO. He served 4 yrs. in the U.S.A.F. as an Aircraft Mechanic stationed in Germany.
He enjoyed lifelong careers as a barber and in various law enforcement positions. Bernie was a loving Christian always willing to lend a hand to anyone. He enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, hunting, cars and trucks, collecting keychains and ball caps, RV travel and camping, and playing and calling BINGO. Rarely would you find Bernie without a smile on his face and ready with a witty comment or snappy comeback.
Bernie was preceded in death by his wife of 59 yrs., Betty J. Choate (Ikermann), parents Ralph & Louise (Starkey) Choate, brother Julian “Sonny” Choate, and sister Norvelle Ahart.
Bernie is survived by daughter Cindy L. Reeves & husband Sonny (recently deceased) of Jefferson City, MO; son Nathan R. Choate and partner Sid Wartha of Kansas City, MO; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as many dear friends in Holts Summit, MO, Kansas City, MO, and LaCygne, KS.
Visitation will be from 2:00pm to 3:00pm on Saturday, August 21 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. This will be followed by a Funeral Service at 3:00pm. The Service will allow for in-person attendance & also may be viewed on live-stream by clicking the link below.
A PDF copy of the Service Folder that will be handed out at the Funeral Service may be downloaded and/or viewed by clicking the link below.
