Mitchell Chuoke

Mitchell Chuoke, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence on June 8, 2015. He was born on June 8, 1920 in Galveston to Mitchell and Josephine Chuoke, the eldest of three children. He grew up working at his father's filling station on 40th and Broadway. At the early age of sixteen, he assumed a great deal of responsibility for the family when his father died.

In 1938, he began working for his uncle, Bob Chuoke, in the plumbing business until leaving to serve in the military. He served in the United States Army Quarter Master Corp in Europe in World War II and attained the rank of Sergeant.

In 1946, after retuning from the war, Mitchell started his own company, Mitchell Chuoke Plumbing Company. He married Helen Trepagnier in 1951 and they made their home in Texas City raising their four children.

He was a charter member of the Galveston County Master Plumbers Association in 1955. He was a 20-year member of the Lions Club in Texas City and a 48-year member of the Master Mason's Tucker Lodge 297 and Shriners International. In 2004, he was the recipient of the Howard O. Payne Award. Following in his father and grandfather's footsteps, he was extremely devoted and supportive of Saints Constantine and Helen Serbian Orthodox Church. He was presented with the prestigious Order of Saint Sava Award in 2011, the highest award presented by the Serbian Orthodox Church to civilians for meritorious achievements to the Church.

In retirement, he pursued his passion for automobiles, especially vintage cars, repairing and restoring them to their "showroom" condition. He looked forward to and delighted in his daily meetings with his "Coffee Buddies". One of his greatest pleasures was spending time at the family ranch surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mitchell and Josephine Chuoke, loving wife of 62 years, Helen Chuoke and her parents Joseph N. and Antoinette Trepagnier, brother-in-laws Richard Skarke, Ted Pulich and Harold Trepagnier, sister-in-law Rita Strickland, niece Patti Kay Pulich and nephew George Strickland.

Survivors include his loving children, daughter Cathy Fitch and husband J.B., son Mitchell Chuoke, Jr. and wife Connie, daughter Debora Moninghoff and husband Ed, son Joseph Chuoke and wife Ellen; grandchildren, Ashlyn Baker and husband Ted, James Fitch, Erica Brown and husband Travis, Mitchell Chuoke III, Helen Moninghoff, Joseph Chuoke, Edward Moninghoff, Annie Chuoke, Mackey Chuoke, Alan Chuoke, Wyatt Chuoke and Lily Chuoke; great-grandsons, Colton and Ethan Baker; sisters Patti Pulich and Marie Skarke, and sister-in-law Frances Trepagnier; niece Francel Leonard, nephews Gary Skarke and wife Sally Anne, David Skarke, Victor Pulich, Larry Trepagnier, Paul Trepagnier and wife Deandra, Anthony Trepagnier and great nieces and nephews. Mr. Joe Dallas, Mitchell's caring and devoted friend.

The family would like to thank Pat Henry, Patricia Woodkins, Mari Tovar and Mayra Laynez for the excellent and loving care they gave Dad. We would also like to thank Dr. Thomas Blackwell of UTMB for his exceptional attention and compassion.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 11th between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. at Emken Linton Funeral Home in Texas City, Texas. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, June12th at Saints Constantine and Helen Serbian Orthodox Church, 4109 Avenue L , Galveston with V. Rev. Father Serg Veselinovich officiating. Interment will follow at The Serbian Orthodox Cemetery in Galveston, Texas. Serving as Pallbearers will be the honor of his grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saints Constantine and Helen Serbian Orthodox Church, PO Box 3280 Galveston, Texas 77552.

Visitation

EmkenLinton Funeral Home
5100 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway
Texas City, TX  77592
Thursday, June 11, 2015
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Saints Constantine and Helen Serbian Orthodox Ch
4109 Avenue L
Galveston, TX  77550
Friday, June 12, 2015
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Serbian Orthodox Cemetery
3014 61st St
Galveston, TX  77551

Memorial Contributions

4109 Avenue L
Galveston, TX  77550