Obituary of Obery Wayne Emmons

Obery Wayne Emmons, 90-years-old, peacefully departed this world for Heaven on Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Life Care Center, Sullivan, MO. Wayne was born on March 18, 1926 in Blodgett, Missouri to John Emmons and Gertrude Lansdell Emmons, who will welcome him with open arms as he joins them along with his brothers John and Jerald, in the kingdom of Heaven. Wayne entered the Navy on June 20, 1944 at the age of 18 and was a proud veteran of World War II serving on Guam located in the South Pacific, where he earned the Victory Medal. He served with distinction as a Seabee in the 134th Construction Battalion. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Navy never left him, as friends and family will attest. There is no way that Wayne would knowingly purchase anything that was not American made. That would just be unpatriotic. After being honorably discharged from the service, he returned home to Doniphan where he met the love of his life, Audry Mae Rainbolt on a double blind date. Apparently it was love at first sight and the couple was married four months later on September 21, 1946 in Pocahontas, AR. Married for 69 years, Wayne & Audry began raising their 4 children, Sharon, Kenneth, Teddy and Richard in Washington Park, Illinois, until they moved to Festus, Missouri where they lived for the majority of their married years. Wayne provided for his family by working as an automobile mechanic and later in life as an over the road truck driver. Wayne had a memory that was sharp and he always tried to remember dates by linking events to the type of car he was driving at the time. Audry and Wayne often remembered events differently but Wayne would always say, “Now Audry, I know it was 19 whatever …… because I was driving that blue Oldsmobile whatever……”. Wayne was a talker and loved to tell stories. He especially loved to regale any open ear with tales of his World War II and over the road trucking adventures. Wayne joins his wife, Audrey, and their youngest son, Richard, who proceeded him in the ever after. His surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include: Father of 3 Surviving Children: Sharon Anderson, Kenneth Emmons and Teddy Emmons Grandfather to 12: Danna, Tawnia, Lynnette and Nathan Anderson; Wade, Clinton, Jesse, and Kayla Emmons; Richard and Cole Emmons; and Krissy and Heidi Emmons Great Grandfather to 18: Whitney, Melinda, Lukas, Emily, Brice, Ryan, Michael, Matthew, Remington, Gracie, Kent, Sadie, Reese, Rae Anne, Lily, Anna, Wyatt and Kayden Brother to 5: Mac and Bill Emmons; Betty Brooks; Virginia Wertenberger and Juanita Lyerla Service information for friends and family of Wayne Emmons: Tuesday February 14, 2017 Edwards Funeral Home Inc., 606 Walnut Street, Doniphan, MO 63935 Visitation for immediate family from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Visitation for friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 1p.m. Pallbearers include: Wade Emmons, Clinton Emmons, Jesse Emmons, Richard Emmons, Cole Emmons and Nathan Anderson A graveside service for family and close friends will be held at Bellview Cemetery immediately following the Funeral service. For more information, please call: Edwards Funeral Home Inc. at (573) 996-2121 Wayne Emmons will be fondly remembered. He would want us to know that he is in a good place and that he is watching us all with a smile on his face because we have made him so proud that he raised such a beautiful and special family. His legacy will now be carried in each of us – the lives he formed and touched with his love.