After 25 years of service as an agent with Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Jack Choate III is retiring, bringing to a close more than 80 years of a family legacy in the insurance business in Hennessey.
The Choate name has long been a familiar one in the insurance business in Hennessey. Jack’s grandfather, Jack Choate Sr., opened his agency in 1946 following World War II. His father, Jack Choate Jr., followed in his footsteps after college, continuing the family tradition. In 2001, Jack Choate III carried that legacy forward when he became an agent with theOklahoma Farm Bureau.
Reflecting on his career, Choate expressed deep gratitude for both the organization and the community that supported him. He credits his customers and Farm Bureau with giving him the opportunity to build a life in the town he has always called home.
After graduating in the early 1980s, Choate faced a challenging job market. The oilfield bust had impacted the local economy, leaving limited opportunities in Hennessey. He took a position with Metro Bank in Oklahoma City to support his young family, his wife, Darla (Mauck), and daughters, Kacy (Hays) and Ashley (Meek). Despite working in the city, heremained closely tied to Hennessey, regularly returning to tend to his cow/calf herd and assist on the family farm and feedlot.
As his children reached school age, Choate and his wife felt a strong pull to return home. They valued the sense of community, accountability, and familiarity that comes with small-town life. Choate recalled that growing up in Hennessey meant there was little room for mischief, word traveled fast, but as a parent, he came to see that as a blessing.
In 1993, Choate was offered a position in Enid with First State Bank of Marshall, where he continued his banking career while living in Hennessey.
He remained with the organization through several transitions until 2001, when an unexpected opportunity arose. After learning his father was selling the family insurance agency, Choate began exploring a shift in careers. Through connections with Robert Bryan and Larry Hays, he was introduced to an opening with Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
“Things started happening fast,” Choate said. By August 2001, he had begun his second career as a Farm Bureau agent.
“Working at Farm Bureau has been a joy,” Choate shared. “I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of such a great organization. I have had the fortune to work with many wonderful people and truly appreciate being able to serve the community I call home.”
He expressed special thanks to his Kingfisher County coworkers, including Larry Hays, Robert Bryan, Frances Grace, Pam Quimby, Charles LaPorte, Cara Barnes, Frances Streck, Samantha Dowell, Doug Hauser, William Claybrook, and many others who were part of his journey.
While Choate says he will miss working with his customers, he is confident they will be in good hands. Jeff Sowards, who grew up in Kingfisher County and brings more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, will step into the role.
As Choate steps into retirement, he leaves behind not only a successful career but a legacy rooted in family, community, and decades of trusted service in Hennessey.
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