Donovan Herbert Emery

Donovan Herbert Emery

Funeral services for Donavan Herbert Emery, former Niobrara County resident, age 66, were held Saturday, Oct. 20, 1990 at 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Christ in Douglas, Wyo. with Rev. Thomas L. Hall officiating. He passed away Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Converse County Memorial Hospital in Douglas, following a five-month illness of cancer.

Burial was in Douglas Park Cemetery with graveside services by the Samuel Mares American Legion Post #8.

Emery was born April 29, 1924, in Douglas, the son of Donovan R. and Bernice (Hazen) Emery. He received his early education in rural schools close by the family ranch and Lance Creek, graduating from Converse County High School with the class of 1942.

Following high school, he worked on the ranch until joining the Army Infantry in July 1944, where he served with the 9th Infantry in Belgium and France. He was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart for service there. He was discharged in December 1945 and returned to Douglas.

On Sept. 12, 1948, he married Lucille Freeman in Douglas and they made their home at the ranch until moving to Lance Creek in 1953 where he was employed by McNeil Construction Company. In 1960, the family moved to Jay Em, and worked at the 010 Ranch for a couple years before moving to Douglas.

He was employed by Ivester Construction for several years, then went into business for himself when he opened the D and L Auto Wash along with a welding and septic tank pumping service which he continued until ill health forced him to retire this past July. He enjoyed people and made many friends everywhere he went. He served as Douglas City Clerk and has been on the Variance Board of Adjustments for the past several years. He was a member of the Congregational Church of Christ, Samuel Mares American Legion Post #8, VFW, International Order of Odd Fellows Lodge #15, Mountain Valley Rebekah Lodge #15, and a lifetime member of the Wyoming Pioneer Association. The past few years he began playing golf and enjoyed not only the game, but the friends he made there.

Emery's work and family were important to him and he always gave the best he had. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille, of Douglas; three sons, Bert Emery and George Emery, both of Douglas; and Ben Emery of Salmon, Idaho; one brother, Robert Emery of Lusk; five grandchildren, Sara, Josh, Casey, Jessica and Bret Emery; several nieces and nephews and all of you, his friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Serving as pallbearers were George Riehle, Harry Brown, Stephen Bennett, George Etchemendy, John Paronto and Samuel "Bud" Paronto. Honorary pallbearers were all of his many friends.

Memorials to the American Cancer Society, the Congregational Church of Christ, or to the donor's choice would be equally appreciated by the family.

The Converse Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

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