Obituary of Emerson M. Emmons

Emerson “Bud” Emmons, 89, of Niles, passed into God’s loving arms on November 18, 2018, at home after a brief illness.

He was born in Dowagiac on September 24, 1929, to the late Herman and Virginia (Smith) Emmons. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his wife of 68 years who he celebrated their anniversary on the same day as his birthday.  Some of his other pleasures were riding his bike, puzzles, playing endless hours of card games, and tending to his yard and flower gardens. 

At the age of 60, Bud retired from the railroad and officially became a snowbird.  He and Joan spent their next 26 winters in Ft. Myers, Florida.  He loved his 12 orange trees, the beach, and the warm sunshine that he could never get enough of.  His Sunday’s in Michigan were spent at St. John’s United Church of Christ where he was a lifelong member and one of the oldest members of the church where he married his sweetheart on September 24, 1950.

Bud will be forever remembered by his church family as the man they all loved for his quick wit and sense of humor.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and a great-grandson, Samuel.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joan; children, Karen White, Harold (Kathy) Emmons, and Linda (David) Gaul; grandchildren, Adam (Melissa) Hover, Bradley (Nichole) Hover, Jason Emmons, Taryn Coleman, Bryce Coleman and Landon (Courtney) Coleman; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Stella, Nyla, Finn and Mena.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018, at St. John’s United Church of Christ at Noon with a time of visitation beginning one hour prior; interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ located at 601 Sycamore Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.