Donald Wayne Emerson

Donald Wayne Emerson, 80, of Humboldt, KS passed away at Allen County Regional surrounded by family on February 5, 2018. He was born in Little Rock, AR on May 3, 1937 to Irvin James and Susan Corona (Crabtree) Emerson. Don started working at his dad’s sawmill in Arkansas after the 8th grade before moving to California where he owned and operated sawmills with his dad and eventual father-in-law. He went on to own sawmills in Oregon and Arkansas before making his home in Kansas. He met and married the love of his life, Helen Ruth “Ruthie” Ratliff in Covelo, CA on August 26, 1957. After the birth of their three children, they relocated to Kansas in 1964 where he started working construction with his family. He continued in this business until he passed away. Before preceding him in death on December 1, 2011, Ruthie and Don were inseparable. They enjoyed fishing and frequent trips to the casino in their spare time. Don was an honest and loving man who was a teacher to many. He never met a stranger and all who had the pleasure of knowing him loved him. Don will especially be missed by: Children: Sharrie Lowry and husband Rick of Humboldt, KS Jim Emerson and wife Karen of Chanute, KS Don Emerson, Jr, and wife Tammy of Fort Worth, TX Grandchildren: Jerry Lowry of Humboldt, KS Randy Lowry and wife Missy of Humboldt, KS Summer Lowry and husband Cory of Iola, KS David Emerson and wife Jessica of Olathe, KS Galvin Emerson of Chanute, KS Matt Hudson of Oklahoma City, OK Corey Emerson and wife Maegan of Iola, KS Josh Emerson and wife Hayley of Cabot, AR Great-Grandchildren: Bailee Hosfelt Jacob Gryzbowski Kamo Lowry Shooter Lowry Bradley Lowry Laken Splane Nahla Jenkins Hunter Boren Trapper Boren Ruger Boren Cora Boren Hailee Lowry Micah Lowry Aaliyah Lowry Sage Emerson Collin Emerson Lily Bartley Broden Emerson Jase Emerson Zac Emerson Gabi Emerson Eva Emerson Sisters: Ann Emerson of Chanute, KS Judy Ward and husband David of Chanute, KS Don was preceded in death by his wife, Ruthie, infant brother; and half-brother, Richard Felton. A visitation will be held at Countryside Funeral Home – Gibson Chapel on Monday, February 12, 2018 from 1-2:00 p.m. in Chanute, KS. A service will follow immediately after at 2:00 p.m. with interment in Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute, KS. Memorials have been suggested to Reachout Christian Center and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 16 N. Forest, Chanute, KS 66720.

Donald Wayne Emerson

May 3, 1937 - February 5, 2018