Robert "Bob" Emerson

Robert Joe Emerson, 89, a lifelong Battle Creek resident, died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Bob was born September 5, 1935, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Wayne W. and Grace M. (Hoch) Emerson. He grew up in Battle Creek, was a 1953 graduate of Lakeview High School and graduated from Ferris State University, where he studied Pharmacy and Business. At the age of 14, Bob started his working career at Lakeview Pharmacy, which was owned & operated by his father, Wayne. After college, he began his banking career at Security National Bank, then commuted to Lawton, where he was employed at First National Bank of Lawton. He took a short break from banking and worked for Bill Penty Realty. Bob then worked for People’s Savings & Loan as a vice-president and then for Southern Michigan Bank & Trust. Gayle and Bob loved their cottage at Sherman Lake, which they had for 30 years and have so many happy memories of good times shared with family and friends. They also enjoyed traveling. They vacationed in Florida, Northern Michigan, Wisconsin and visited many states in the east and west.

Bob was united in marriage to Gayle Elaine Snyder on August 18, 1956, in Athens, Michigan. Surviving are Gayle, his wife of 68+ years; a son Steven R. Emerson of Battle Creek; Daughter, Julie Ann (Ronald M.) Williams of Myakka City, Florida; grandchildren, Brandon (Amanda) Emerson, Matthew Williams, Joshua Williams and four great-grandchildren, Ladessa, Ellanora, Zeke and Graham. Sadly Bob was preceded in death by a son, Scott Allen Emerson on April 28, 1984; his parents and a sister, Shirley A. (Emerson) McKay and brother-in-law, Donald McKay.

Bob was a member of First Congregational Church, where he worked on the Ministry, Membership & Finance Committees. He was a member of Springfield Lions Club, the American Institute of Banking, Past Presidents, former treasurer and president of the Lakeview Business Association and a member of the former Riverside Country Club. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and especially playing Billiards at the Kool Community Center. He formerly was a Mr. Fix-It and did remodeling and enjoyed yard work. Bob will be remembered as a good husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Nathaniel Craddock at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care on Monday, June 2 at 1:30 p.m., where visitation will be held the hour prior to services. Committal and entombment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the First Congregational Church, 145 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017 or Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.