Obituary of Jack Leroy Emery
Jack Leroy Emery was born on November 6, 1939 in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. He was one of four children born from the union of the late Herbert Emery and the late Lula (Lawson) Emery. Jack grew up on the east side of Monroe and attended school at Lincoln Elementary. He left school at a young age to assist his mother with cleaning the local theatre.
Jack was a hard worker. He worked for Chrysler and Ford and for many years was employed by Midway Products. Jack married the love of his life the former, Carol Sue Turner, on August 21, 1965 in LaSalle. A devoted husband and father, Jack also was generous to the needs of Carol’s family always willing to lend a helping hand.
Jack took employment with Detroit Edison and was a proud member of Local 223. He spent more than twenty years working as a heavy equipment operator in fuel supply. Jack enjoyed staying active and for many years he played with the Edison softball team. He retired in 1997.
Jack loved the outdoors. Many trips were spent at the family cabin in Hale, Michigan. Never one to sit around, Jack, spent much of the year organizing work details to prepare for hunting season. He enjoyed visiting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Pike fish. Two of Jack’s favorite pastimes were listening to Polka on Sunday mornings and watching Old Westerns. A die-hard Lions fan, Jack never missed a game. He was excited when picture in picture came out, but even more proud of the fact that at one point he had six televisions to enjoy watching multiple games at one time, so he wouldn’t miss any action. Jack had quite the sweet tooth and no matter what he was doing he surely was snacking on candy.
Jack Leroy Emery, age 77, of Newport passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at his home under the care of Custom Hospice. In addition to his parents, Jack is preceded in death by his wife: Caroline Sue Emery on January 30, 2016; two sons: Jackie and Bobby Emery; a sister: Sue Rader; a brother: Jimmy Emery; a brother-in-law: Bill Rader; and a son-in-law: Steve Modica.
To cherish his memory, Jack leaves his children: David Emery of Chicago, Rod (Robin) Emery of Newport, Rob (Jenifer) Emery of Newport, and Misty Modica of Monroe; a sister: Barb Baker; one sister-in-law: Paulette Emery; ten grandchildren: Natalie Emery, Eric Emery, Jeffrey Emery, David Emery, Ross Emery, Riane Emery, Sydney Modica, Brittany Modica, Brandon Emery, and Logan Emery; and three great grandchildren.
A private Graveside service was held at Roselawn Memorial Park on Saturday, September 2, 2017 for family and close friends. Pastor Mike Gilbert of the North Monroe Street Church of God officiated.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral tribute by visiting www.merklefs.com.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Custom Hospice and especially nurse, Denise Hoffman for the exceptional care provided to Jack.