PLYMOUTH — Roger L. Emmons Sr., 79, passed away in his home surrounded by his family at 4:40 p.m. Jan. 17, 2017. He was born Aug. 17, 1937, in LaPaz, to Karl “Bill” and Julia E. Taylor Emmons. He graduated from LaPaz High School with the class of 1955. He served our country in the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge in 1958. He took Deborah J. Whiteman to be his wife on Aug. 9, 1959, at the LaPaz Church of God. She would precede him in death on July 25, 2012. Deb and Roger owned and operated a restaurant and gas station at the busy corner of 6 and 31. He retired from mail carrying after 35 years. Then he began his antique shop, D&K’s Antiques. He had fun going to auctions and antiquing. He loved to serve his community as fire chief in LaPaz for 25 years and as town marshal. He was a family man and a people person. In his kids’ younger years, he helped with their little leagues and sports teams. And later he enjoyed watching his grandkids’ sporting events. He is survived by his five children and their families: son Roger Emmons Jr., South Bend, with his children Nichole and Peyton; daughter Jodie D. (spouse Jeffery) Slough, Plymouth, with their children Alyssa, Amanda and Autumn; son William A. (spouse Andrea) Emmons, Bremen, with their children Heather and Conner; daughter Darla L. (spouse) Bobby Adams, Mentone, with children Brennen, Danielle and Brice; and daughter Karla G. (spouse Justin) Kaser, South Bend; nine great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Karl “Sonny” (spouse MaryAnn) Emmons, Lakeville, and Judy Veger, Plymouth. He was preceded by his wife of 51 years; parents; and sisters Shirley Albert and Julia Hurford. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Burial will be in New Oak Hill Cemetery, with military honors provided by members of American Legion Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars Marshall County Post 1162 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 42. ***** Memorials to the Union-North Ambulance Service or to the LaPaz Fire Department. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnson danielson.com.
