Donald Emerson

Obituaries

February 8, 2018 - 12:00 AM

Donald Wayne Emerson, 80, Humboldt, passed away at Allen County Regional surrounded by family on Monday, Feb. 5, 2018.
He was born in Little Rock, Ark., on May 3, 1937 to Irvin James and Susan Corona (Crabtree) Emerson.
Don started working at his dad’s sawmill in Arkansas after the eighth grade before moving to California where he owned and operated sawmills with his dad and eventual father-in-law. He went on to own sawmills in Oregon and Arkansas before making his home in Kansas. He met and married the love of his life, Helen Ruth “Ruthie” Ratliff in Covelo, Calif., on Aug. 26, 1957. After the birth of their three children, they relocated to Kansas in 1964 where he started working construction with his family. He continued in this business until he passed away.
Before preceding him in death on Dec. 1, 2011, Ruthie and Don were inseparable. They enjoyed fishing and frequent trips to the casino in their spare time. Don was an honest and loving man who was a teacher to many. He never met a stranger and all who had the pleasure of knowing him loved him.
Don will especially be missed by children, Sharrie Lowry and husband Rick, Humboldt, Jim Emerson and wife Karen, Chanute, and Don Emerson Jr, and wife Tammy, Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren, Jerry Lowry, Humboldt,  Randy Lowry and wife Missy, Humboldt, Summer Lowry and husband Cory, Iola, David Emerson and wife Jessica, Olathe,  Galvin Emerson, Chanute, Matt Hudson, Oklahoma City, Corey Emerson and wife Maegan, Iola, and Josh Emerson and wife Hayley, Cabot, Ark.; great-grandchildren, Bailee Hosfelt, Jacob Gryzbowski, Kamo Lowry, Shooter Lowry, Bradley Lowry, Laken Splane, Nahla Jenkins, Hunter Boren, Trapper Boren, Ruger Boren, Cora Boren, Hailee Lowry, Micah Lowry, Aaliyah Lowry, Sage Emerson, Collin Emerson, Lily Bartley, Broden Emerson, Jase Emerson, Zac Emerson, Gabi Emerson and Eva Emerson; sisters, Ann Emerson, Chanute, and Judy Ward and husband David, Chanute.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Ruthie, infant brother; and half-brother, Richard Felton.
A visitation will be at Countryside Funeral Home – Gibson Chapel in Chanute from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday. A service will follow immediately at 2 o’clock with interment in Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute.
Memorials have been suggested to Reachout Christian Center and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to:  Countryside Funeral Home 16 N. Forest, Chanute, KS 66720.

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