Gary Lee Embury

Gary Lee Embury, 79, of Battle Creek, passed away suddenly February 1, 2023. He was born August 2, 1943 in Battle Creek, the youngest of three children from Warren and Mildred (Kitley) Embury. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1961 and attended trade school before entering the U.S. Air Force in 1963, serving his country for four years. He was stationed in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Newfoundland and later in Roswell, New Mexico. While serving in North Dakota, Gary was united in marriage to the former Mary Cramer on October 31, 1964.

Upon completing his enlistment Gary and Mary returned to Battle Creek, where he went to work for his father and later his cousin, Jerry Embury, building and roofing homes. In 1970, after months of persistence, he was hired at the Kellogg Company.

Gary was always tinkering with things and worked his way through the trades at Kellogg's and finally becoming a millwright, holding that position until his retirement in 2000. Gary volunteered at the Kellogg Store for almost 23 years. He loved seeing his friends and past Kellogg associates at the store.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Mary; their two children, Lisa (Tom) Timmer of Battle Creek and Kevin (Amy) Embury of Richland; six grandchildren, Todd, Tony, Tyler and Trevor Timmer, and Seth and Riley Embury and two great-grandchildren, Ben and Emma Timmer. Gary was a wonderful and dedicated husband; a loving, giving, and supportive father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Gordon Embury and a sister, Marcia Sharpsteen.

For over 20 years, Gary has helped many neighbors and others by mowing their yards, keeping their driveways cleared in the cold winter months and being there without question to help when needed. He will be truly missed by family and friends, especially those that he spent so much of his time supporting.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 114 E. Minges Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jack Langfeldt officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Gary will be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our World For Children at St. Mark Lutheran Church. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.