Woodrow "Woodie" Wilson Emery

WOODROW WILSON EMERY

Woodrow Wilson Emery, 94, of San Diego died Monday. He was born in Mitchell, Neb., and worked at North Island Naval Air Station. He was a member of Al Bahr Shrine and the Scottish Rite.

Survivors include his wife, Lily Emery; daughter, Kathleen Oatman; sons, David Emery and Eugene Emery; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Services: 1 p.m. tomorrow, Christ Church Unity, 311 Highland Ave., El Cajon.

Donations: Scripps Green Hospital, 10666 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037; or American Heart Association, 9404 Genesee Ave., Suite 240, La Jolla, CA 92037.

Arrangements: Humphrey Mortuary.

The Torrington Telegram
June 20, 2007
Woodrow "Woodie" Wilson Emery

Woodrow Wilson Emery, 94, was born March 1, 1913, at Mitchell, Neb., the seventh child of Elizabeth and A. B. Emery, who were early settlers of the area. He attended the Dry Spotted school north of Mitchell until high school. Elizabeth was elected Sioux County superintendent at that time, so "Woodie" graduated from high school there. He then attended college at Chadron, Neb., for two years.

His first job was teaching in a one-room school north of Henry, Neb. He taught at the Cunningham school for two years. To earn more money, be became the manager of the Singer Sewing Machine Shop in Rock Springs. It was there he met the love of his life, Lily Sather. They were married there Sept. 19, 1936. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in San Diego, Calif., in 2006.

He found that he could earn and make money by working in the coalmines in Rock Springs during the Great Depression. He and Lily were blessed with the birth of two sons, Eugene and David, at that time.

During the first months of the Second World War, Woodie moved his family to San Diego where he worked for the Navy as a civilian employee. He worked in the aviation overhauls and repair facility. He worked 29 years for the U.S. Navy. During that time he and Lily were blessed with their daughter, Kathleen Carol.

Woodie was sent to the Philippines for several months while with the Navy. He taught the Navy men how to repair airplanes damaged in the Vietnam War. It was at that time he developed a deep love for the Philippine people. This affection grew into an interest in the different cultures and people around the world. He was known for his enthusiasm and positive attitude about life. He loved to garden. His spirituality, his deep abiding faith and love of family and friends endeared him to all who knew him.

Woodie sold real estate for several years after his retirement from the Navy. He enjoyed meeting new people and serving them. Woodie and Lily traveled extensively in the United States. They made several trips to Europe. He loved classical music and enjoyed senior adult educational classes. He belonged to the El Bahr and the Shrine.

Woodie was granted his wish to get to see all of his family just before he died. This was his three children and their mates, nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Survivors include sister-in-law Marjorie Emery of Scottsbluff and Alliance; Carolyn Baughman and family, Idaho; Debra Emery, Mitchell and Omaha; Diana Kure and family of Colorado; Lila Brackeen and family of Oklahoma; Maurice Emery of Oregon; Margarete and family of South Dakota; step niece Gerry Wright and family of California; and Artyce Krug and family of Torrington and Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota.

Woodie was preceded in death by his parents; sister Ellen Rickens, Ellen's daughter Virginia Dell and husband Bill Pickens; brother John (Bernice) Emery, son-in-law Dale Baughman of Mitchell, Neb.; brother Dr. Raymond (Frances) Emery and daughter Gloria Rae of Arizona; Dr. A. B. (Lon) Emery and sons John and Bill of Scottsbluff, Neb., and Cheyenne; brother Roy (Verla) Emery and son Quenton of Harrison, Neb., and Oregon, and sisters Margaret Bartel and Cheryl Enos of South Dakota.

Cards may be sent to Lily Emery, 7519 Lake Ree, San Diego, CA 92119.

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