Albert Emery

Albert Emery was the kind of man his family could depend on for financial support, as well as love and encouragement. His Depression Era childhood made him thrifty, hard-working and humble. He knew that family and friends are the most important things in life. He was faithful husband, loving father and devoted grandfather.

Born in the Paw Paw/Lawton area during the Depression Era to Mr. and Mrs. Emery, Albert or Al, as he was called, was one of five children. Al’s parents worked hard to raise Al and his siblings on the family farm. Life during the Great Depression was difficult, but it was especially difficult for a family living on a farm, and the Emery’s were no exception. There are always chores to attend to on a farm and Al, and his four brothers and sisters, were all expected to help out. This taught the children early on, the importance of hard work, thrift and working together a s family. When young Al wasn’t helping on the farm, he could be found playing with his friends and attending school in the Paw Paw area.

After graduating from Paw Paw High School, Al enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Like so many young men of the time, Al wanted to do his part to defend the county, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, by the Japanese. As a Machine Gun Crewman, Al saw plenty of action, first aboard the USS West Point, then the USS General Gordon, and finally the USS Spring Field. He served in the Asiatic and Pacifica areas, using all his skill to keep the enemy at bay. He served from September 9, 1942 to February 10, 1946, as Private First Class.

Upon his return from the military, Al found work at the Brown/James River Paper Mill and was employed there for many years, until he retired at the age of sixty-five. He was a dedicated worker in the area of quality control.

When he wasn’t working, Al had a chance to go out and have some fun with friends. It was during one of these times that he met a pretty young lady named Kay Gieger. After a time of dating, the two fell in love and were married at the court house in Angola, Indiana on March 22, 1951

The young couple began their married life together in Paw Paw, Michigan, building a house on Lake Brownwood. Later that year, their beautiful daughter, Sheila was born, completing the family of three. Al supported the family by continuing his work at James River while Kay worked at the A.M. Todd Co. as a spearmint tester. Al and Kay raised Sheila in a loving and caring home. When Al came home from work, he and Sheila would cuddle on the porch swing and to talk and visit. Sheila was definitely a Daddy’s Little Girl!

Al was an avid hunter and fisherman. He must have been quite a marksman, since the family dined on venison and fish most every night! When they had the chance, Al and Kay, along with Sheila, would head out for some camping adventures and spend time together as a family. The also would go out together to hunt for mushrooms, cooking them up to add flavor to their venison and fish. Al also enjoyed bowling, softball and golf with his friends and in his quieter moments, he could be found reading Louis Lamore westerns. Al was a proud and active member of the McGowan-Johnson Post, American Legion #68.

When Al became a grandfather, he reveled in this now role, just as he had in the role of parenthood. He even taught his granddaughter how to drive his Red Chevy ¾ ton pick-up truck, which was his pride and joy, (Although he wasn’t very happy to hear that she got a speeding ticket , as soon as she got her license)!

Later, Al developed a special relationship with his great-granddaughter, who referred to him as her lady-bug Grandpa, due to the fact that he had lady-bugs in his house! He would cuddle her on his lap and read stories to her, bother of them enjoying this special time together

Sadly, as Al got older, he had to have double-by-pass surgery, and was diagnosed with dementia about five years ago.

Al was a man like so many men from his generation, dependable, hard-working, and patriotic. He was a loving, caring man with a great sense of humor. He was a true outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. Most importantly, he was a family man, who will be missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Albert Emery, age 84, died May 13, 2009 in Plainwell. He was born May 30, 1924 in Paw Paw, the son of William and Minnie (Osborne) Emery. Services will be held Saturday 11:00 AM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson - Paw Paw; 60900 M-40, 657-3870. Burial will take place at Wildey Cemetery. Al was preceded in death by his wife, Kay Emery; a daughter, Sheila Bishop and by four siblings. He is survived by his granddaughter, Emily Hughes; and by his great-granddaughter, Isis Hughes-Mohney. Please visit Al’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his Life Story, archive a memory or photo, and sign his guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Isis educational fund c/o Consumers Credit Union.