Emory E. Emery

Emory E. Emery of Merrill, Michigan, age 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw, surrounded by his family. On April 2, 1944, the late Theodore J. and Beatrice A. (Wale) Emery, welcomed their son, Emory E. Emery into the world and he enjoyed sharing the countless various reactions he has encountered with his unusual name throughout his lifetime. Emory graduated in 1962 from Merrill High School, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1966. When he returned from the service, he began working for EATON Manufacturing in Saginaw, Michigan and attended Delta College earning his Associate’s Degree in the trades. He worked multiple trades retiring after over 40 years of loyal and dedicated service. Emory was a lifelong active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wheeler and served in many positions over the years. He was also a trustee for the Jonesfield Township Board. Emory belonged to the Moose Lodge #82, American Legion Post 295, and prior to 2020, actively attended SPURS Dance Club participating in various dance clubs enjoying line dancing and contra dancing.

Emory was a very kind and generous person. He gave to many charities and supported several foundations. Emory enjoyed attending all the family get-togethers and could always be counted on to bring his signature macaroni and cheese to all these events. He especially enjoyed being teased about his “harem” that he hung with at Woody’s on Friday fish night. Emory hosted a “Family Day” every month at his house with many aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins attending.

Emory was very organized and had a spreadsheet for every aspect and event in his life. He organized past class reunions and was still spearheading his family reunion for this August. Emory will be dearly missed by those who enjoyed his sense of humor and were part of the many functions he participated in. He was also known for his warm hugs.

Emory is survived by his three children: Ted (Elizabeth) Emery of Three Oaks; Theresa (Sean) Gale of Grand Ledge; Stacy (Shawn Smith) Emery of Holly; their mother, Phyllis Emery of Three Oaks; a granddaughter, Kaylee Emery of Holly; a grandson, Sgt. Isaac Maze of San Antonio, TX; siblings: Patti (Bob Monk) Emery of Merrill; Pam (Mike) Miller of Merrill; Danni (Christina) Emery of St. Johns, FL; Steven (Tammy) Emery of Ashland, TN. He is also survived by a special aunt, Lilly James; and uncle, Fred Wallin; a very special longtime friend since childhood, June Stone; as well as many nieces, nephews, and a good friend and helper, Gerald Blackburn.

Emory was preceded in death by his dear grandchild, Paige Arlene Emery; and a sister, Penny Bell.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 10020 E. Monroe Rd., Wheeler, MI 48662. Rev. Michael Podeszwa will officiate. Military Honors and burial will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Breckenridge under the auspices of the United States Air Force and V.F.W. Post #7302. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E. Saginaw St., Merrill, MI 48637 on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Jonesfield Lakefield Fire Department. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.