Tully S Choate's Obituary
TULLY SAMSON CHOATE peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday. May 25, 2025, at the age of 90.
He was at home in his favorite chair surrounded by things that he loved. Tully was born on June 10, 1934, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Albert Samson Choate and Helen Lorene James. He married Lucina Hill on April 24, 1970, in Tulsa, Oklahoma
His mother sent him to Jones Academy in Hartshorne, Oklahoma at a very young age. Tully went to Indian schools all his life. He went to Haskell Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas and graduated in 1953. He later attended Tulsa Junior College for several years working toward a BA in Accounting with a minor in Fine Arts.
While at TJC, he was a student of the famous Pat Gordon and Ron Bradshaw. He bonded closely with both as artistic mentors and became friends for life.
After completing his education, Tully joined the military service. Initially, he joined the U.S. Army and then transferred to the U.S. Navy. Tully always remarked that military service was easy for him due to his years of attending strict Indian schools. Tully honorably served in the military for 8 years including the Korean Conflict.
After discharge, Tully returned to work in Tulsa at National Bank of Tulsa (mail clerk); Faulkner's Appliance Service & Sales; Independent Life Insurance (sales); National Tank Company (welder); Rockwell International (production planner); and Cities Service Oil Company (Pricing Analyst in Purchasing).
While Tully was working as at Rockwell, he met and started dating his future wife, Lucina Hill. They were married on April 24, 1970, in the Sharp Chapel at the University of Tulsa. Tully and Lucina recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. They were long time members of First Baptist Church in Tulsa.
Tully is a member of the Choctaw Tribe and very proud of his Native American heritage. He made his own clothing for dancing at Pow Wows. He was an excellent beader and toiled many hours beading everything from canes, belts, dance clothes, moccasins, and jewelry. He also organized the Color Guard of Broken Arrow, and they danced in the colors at many regional Pow Wows.
Tully was a proud active member of the Masons having received his 25-, 50-, and 55-year pins. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Shriner with the Akdar Temple, member of the Masonic Indian Degree Team. His final Masonic affiliation was at the Gene Autry Catoosa Masonic Lodge where he achieved the honor of Worshiper Master.
Tully's talents were boundless. His hobbies were watercolor art, photography, Indian dancing at Pow Wows, and decorative beading. He also loved dressing as a clown named Rocky Road, (make-up and all) and entertaining at children's birthday parties. The kids loved Rocky Road and his desire to entertain kids led to his being able to sculpt over 200 different balloon sculptures. Tully also devoted time to Native American story telling at area schools (especially around Thanksgiving).
He was predeceased by his parents, and his two sisters Anna Jo Bridges and Tonnie Carolyn Pahsetopah (wife of artist Loren Pahsetopah).
He is survived by his wife & soulmate of 55 years, Lucina Choate; nephew, Terry Ray Bridges; and his brother-in-law, Jim Hill (wife Margaret).
Tully was a likable guy. He loved people. It did not matter if he knew you. He would soon get to know you.
He was quite a talker and a storyteller. We will all miss him.
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