Obituary of Harry Emerson

Russ was born on February 18, 1933 in Vandervoot, Arkansas. He was the son of the late Joseph Cowan Emerson and the late Clara (Ishmael) Emerson. He attended school in Arkansas and graduated in 1951 from Havannah High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy and served as an aircraft mechanic. Russ was discharged on February 2, 1955 after two honorable terms of service. Russ married his sweetheart Grace Drew in Winter Haven, California on July 4, 1964. Together they would enjoy each other's company through more than forty-four years of marriage. Russ worked in Industrial Carpentry through the Carpenter's Local 687. He spent thirty-five years working on such projects as the Fermi Nuclear Power Plant and the Renaissance Center in Detroit. Russ served as a general foreman on many jobs. After retirement he spent time as a jeweler in Detroit and as a professional glazer. Russ appreciated a good day's work but he also enjoyed a little rest and relaxation. He played many sports throughout his life and excelled at baseball, playing Class A. He was an avid golfer and could brag about his three personal holes-in-one. Russ was an outdoorsman, hunting deer, pheasant, turkey, and other small game. Russ and Grace also had a special place in their life for the water. They visited Put-in-Bay and Canada on their boat. They cast a few lines over the years and set up camp on the water shore following many lake jaunts. Harry Russell "Russ" Emerson, age 75, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 9, 2008 in Trenton. His memory will be cherished by a beloved wife: Grace of Rockwood; two loving daughters: Lisa (Thomas) Graham of Newport and Sally Emerson of Gibraltar; a son: Stuart (Becky) Emerson of Conway, Arkansas; and a sister-in-law: Roselle Emerson of St. Louis, Missouri; a granddaughter: Miranda of Newport and four grandchildren in Arkansas. In addition to his parents, a brother Joseph preceded his passing. Friends may gather Sunday; October 12, 2008 from 12:00-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street, (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place 11:00 am on Monday also at Merkle's with Pastor Phillip Pulliam a long-time friend officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park for interment. For those desiring; online words of inspiration and comfort may be sent to the Merkle website at www.merklefuneralservice.com and then selecting the Life Stories page.