Gerald Dale Embree, 75, of Independence, Missouri, passed away Friday, July 28, 2017 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 2nd at Ascension Lutheran Church, 4900 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133. Wednesday, August 2, 2017; burial in New Salem Cemetery, 1823 N Blue Mills Rd, Independence, Missouri 64058. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.
Gerald was born June 30, 1942 in Knob Noster, Missouri, the son of Robert A. and Dora (Vogler) Embree. After graduating from LaMonte High School, he married the love of his life Lourene Kay Davis on November 25, 1961 in Sedalia, Missouri. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage.
Gerald was a well-known auto mechanic in Independence for many years, starting his career at TG&Y Auto Center where he worked for many years until the store closed in 1984. He then worked for Waits Service in Independence for 28 years retiring in 2012. Gerald had a passion for Ford Thunderbirds. He joined VTCI, the national Thunderbird club in 1976. He was an active member of the local Vintage Thunderbird Club of Kansas City and enjoyed attending numerous cars shows throughout the years, displaying his own pride and joy, a red 1960 (Squarebird) Thunderbird.
Gerald was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church and served on the Human Care Board and helped with lawn maintenance. He previously had been a member of Messiah Lutheran Church where he ushered for 12 years and served as Chairman of the Social Ministry Board for 5 years. He loved and served God by always being ready to lend a helping hand to family and friends and anyone in need.
Survivors include his wife, Lourene Embree of the home; three daughters: Tracy Steward and husband Richard, Sherri Swaggerty and husband Kenneth, and Christine Embree, all of Independence. He was blessed with six grandchildren: Jeremy McGrail, Drew Garrett, Tiffany Smith, Kara Garrett, Tyler Wilds, and Nicholas McAlister, all from Independence; four step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three sisters: Delpha Wiley, Georgetta Ficken, and Leota Booth; and two brothers: William Embree and John Embree.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence MO 816-796-860