Obituary -- Wayne Russell Emerson 1924-2017

Wayne Russell Emerson, 93, Blythedale, MO passed away September 25, 2017 after a short battle with lung cancer. He and his twin sister, Wilma Lee, were born July 11, 1924 near Mound City, Missouri to Ralph Waldo and Ethel Lee Emerson. 

In 1936, the family moved to Colorado, where Wayne lived until 1944 when he enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS Lanier, a troop transport ship in the South Pacific, which participated in the occupation of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Wayne received his honorable discharge in 1946. 

After serving in the Navy, Wayne worked as a lab assistant in a Brush, Colorado sugar mill. He returned to Missouri in 1952 and ultimately settled in Blythedale, Mo, where he lived for most of his life. Wayne farmed, raised cattle, drove trucks, hauled live stock for local farmers, did custom hay bailing and drove a school bus for North Harrison schools.

Wayne was active in the Blythedale Saddle Club and enjoyed his horses, trail rides and horse shows. Wayne also enjoyed both making and repairing western leatherwork. 

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister, Wilma, and his brothers, Leonard and Ivan. 

He is survived by his only child, Charlotte Lee Emerson, Folsom, Louisiana, as well as several extended family members. 

A Private Burial was held in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Blythedale, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, Eagleville, MO. A Memorial Service with Military Rites will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Wayne Emerson Memorial Fund in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Eagleville, MO 64442. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com