Monroe, NH- David Worthen Choate, Sr., 87, a life long resident of Monroe, died at home with his wife and family by his side, on Saturday, October 23, 2010. David was born in Monroe on October 2, 1923, to Raymond and Glenna (King) Choate. David loved music his whole life, starting at age 9 with baritone horn lessons by George McClure. Seven of his siblings played also, nearly enough for their own band. At age 14, David was chosen as 1st baritone at the Allstate Music Festival in Burlington, VT. He continued with McClure s Band until his graduation from McIndoe Falls Academy. Like many of his generation, David answered the call to arms. Still he found time for music, playing popular tunes of the day with fellow servicemen while stationed in England. David manned a 50 caliber gun mounted on a halftrack for his unit, the 474th AAA Auto Weapons Battalion which participated in the invasion of Normandy, the St. Lo breakthrough, and the Battle of the Bulge. On June 24, 1943, he married Nellie Carter. Along with Nellie, David owned and operated the Sears Catalog Store in Woodsville, NH until retiring in 1988. David was a member of the Monroe Church and a former member of the Monroe Men s Club. As a member of the Woodsville-Wells River Rotary, he was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award. He was active as a manager of the McClure s Alumni Band. David enjoyed puttering around his home and property. He loved his family and his animals and enjoyed his cottage at Old Orchard Beach. He was predeceased by two sisters, Carolyn Stillings and Anna West and four brothers, Clifton, Erwin, Frank, and Emerson Choate. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Nellie Choate of Monroe; five children, Sharon O Connor and husband Bill, Deane Moore and husband Don of Peacham, VT, Maurie Choate of Pahrump, NV, David W. Choate, Jr. and wife Mary Saucier Choate of Monroe, and Carter Erwin Choate and partner Dan Wheeler of Standish, ME; six grandchildren, Donald Moore, Jr. and wife Lisa of Peacham, Heather Hudson of Peacham, and Heidi Moore of Danville, VT, Lea Colleen O Connor, Amy Leigh O Connor, William John O Connor, Jr.; five great grandchildren, Jennifer and Donald Moore III, and Colton, Bailey and Pearl Hudson; a sister, Doris Blodgett of Littleton, NH; two brothers, Richard Choate of Lisbon, NH and Carroll Stub Choate of Twin Mountain, NH; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, from 6-8 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A funeral service will be on Thursday, October 28th at 1 PM at the Monroe Community Church in Monroe, NH with Rev. Dr. Donald Thomas, officiating. Burial will follow at the Monroe Village Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the humane society of your choice.