Donald E. Emery

Donald “Don” Edward Emery, age 79, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend who leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, devotion, and love.

Don was born on January 21, 1947, in Kewanee, Illinois, to the late Ronald Orlo Emery and Jessie Marcella Emery.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Jessie Emery; his brother, Gene Emery; and his sisters, Bernadine Behm and Sharon Emery.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Beverly Joan Emery; his children, Marcie Remington and her husband, Stanley, and Ronald Emery and his wife, Tammy; his grandson, Colten Remington and his wife, Sarah; and his great-grandchildren, Rhett, Brooks, and Magnolia Remington. He also leaves behind extended family and many friends who will cherish his memory.

Don was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. During his service, he sustained a serious knee injury and, while recovering in Denver, Colorado, met the love of his life, Beverly Joan Holton. That chance meeting began a beautiful love story that spanned 57 years of marriage, countless cherished memories, and a lifetime devoted to one another and their family.

Following his military service, Don earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Denver. He built a long and respected career in public service, working for several government agencies, including the Indian Trust, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Homeland Security.

Don was a dedicated and highly respected auditor with an exceptional eye for detail. He earned the nickname “The Finder” because nothing seemed to get past him, making him a valuable asset to every agency he served.

Don was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, and gardening. He spent many days and nights casting his line and especially enjoyed hunting in the mountains of Colorado. He took great pride in his gardens and generously shared his harvest with family, friends, and local seniors. His homemade salsa, pickled green beans, and Christmas cucumber pickles became beloved family favorites.

Don was a man of deep faith who loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. Like any good auditor, he wanted to know the facts. Before joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he carefully studied and researched everything he could find about the Church. Once he joined, he was fully devoted.

Don spent many years serving the Lord and others through numerous Church callings and leadership positions. His faith was reflected in his willingness to serve, his generosity, and the love he showed to his family and those around him.

Above all, Don loved his family. He cherished the adventures he shared with his grandson, Colten, and the joy his great-grandchildren brought him. To Rhett, Brooks, and Magnolia, he was affectionately known as “G-Pop,” a name that always brought a smile to his face.

Don loved his children, Marcie and Ronnie, and was always ready to offer his support, advice, and love. He was incredibly proud of them and their families.

Most importantly, Don deeply loved his beautiful wife, Beverly. He never missed an opportunity to tell others what a good woman she was and how much he loved her. Their 57 years together were a testament to a lifetime of love, commitment, and devotion.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who cared for Don during his final years. Their patience, kindness, compassion, and love brought comfort to Don and became an important part of his life and our family.

Don will be missed greatly, and though we grieve, we do not grieve without hope: he believed in the resurrection and in Jesus Christ, and we know we will see him again. He served. He shared what he had. He loved his family. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

Services will be held Monday, September 28, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,1416 SW 19th St Blue Springs, Missouri 64015

Viewing will precede the funeral at 2:00 p.m. with Funeral Service starting at 3:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery with Full Military Honors .

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, Missouri.