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Lucas Emch Obituary
HN Lucas "Luke" Emch passed away March 1, 2007.
Born in Akron on February 8th 1986, Luke lived in Brimfield for most of his life. Luke graduated from Tallmadge High School in 2004 where he was a member of the tennis team.
He joined the Navy in 2005. He was a Corpsman with the First Marine E.O.D., a Devil Doc.
He is survived by his parents, Wesley and Julie Emch; sister, Samantha; and grandparents, Albert and Jean Schroeder of Chatham, Ohio.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2007 at Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (On the Historic Tallmadge Circle), with Lt. Hlavin officiating. Interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, where military rites will be conducted. Friends may call 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Donovan Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lucas Emch
wesley emch
February 1, 2014
I miss you so much Luke. The world changed that March day, never to come back. Things are not the same with out you. I know how proud you were to be a Corpsman and from what we have been told, a good one. I will always love you more than you'll ever know - Dad
Ralph Waddy
July 16, 2013
God has a special blessing for those who come to the call, "Corpsman Up," we are called "Doc!"
May God bless "Doc Emch" and his family, for his gift of healing, comfort & life.
"Semper Fi"
"Doc Waddy 1959 to 1963 3/5
Cody Feeback
April 1, 2013
SEMPER FI!!! Doc. love ya brother.
Peggy Childers
March 2, 2013
To the family and friends of Hospitalman Lucas W.A. Emch:
It has truly been my honor to sign Lucas' guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Lucas will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy
i just wanted to say
February 19, 2013
I came across this link by chance.
I "DOC KENNEDY" 3rd Force Recon Vietnam 67-68
I just wanted to say a corpsman work is a valuable thing.
I thank Lucas for all he did.
December 31, 2012
In memory & honor of Lucas Emch. Never forgotten.
July 22, 2012
You will be remembered not only by those you helped, but also by all of us who have served our country. You will be our brother forever.
Cody Feeback
April 6, 2012
Just wanted to stop by and say that I am ALWAYS thinking of you DOC. We miss ya and we will NEVER forget. SEMPER FI!!!!
Peggy Childers
March 7, 2012
March 2, 2012
To the family and friends of Hospitalman Lucas W.A. Emch:
Always remembering Lucas. "Some gave all."
stacy malolo
August 31, 2011
My name is stacy malolo I moved to arizona in 1994... grew up in brimfield and went to brimfield elementary (the real one before it got replaced haha) I buried my grandpa today at restland cemetary who also was a vet and as I was driving out I saw the memorial and gravesite of luke emch. My stomach dropped... he was a good childhood friend of mine... my deepest condolences to his family... may you be comforted by the memories of luke. As the granddaughter of a air force veteran, I along with many others I'm sure appreciate and recognize the service luke gave... so sad to hear of his passing
Veronica Baca-Bernel
May 29, 2011
Mr. & Mrs. Emch, I have said many prayers for you and want to express my deep gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice that your son has made for us to have the wonderful freedoms that we have in the USA. I know you have had woefully sorrowful times and miss your dear son to the depths of your beings. Please remember that he will always be with you in spirit, he would want you to be strong, he was doing that which he believed was his duty and it was his honor. We will always have in our hearts our loved ones and one day we will be reunited. Luke is with you and often just a prayer away. I continue to keep you all in my prayers.
L Neal
March 14, 2011
To the family of Hospitalman Lucas W.A. Emch:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.
Debra Estep
March 8, 2011
Remembering Luke and his sacrifice. I thought about him in early Feb too as the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl. :)
Peggy Childers
March 2, 2011
To the family and friends of Hospitalman Lucas W.A. Emch:
Please accept my remembrance of Lucas on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Chris Breshears
January 1, 2011
Thank you...
Ed Emch
July 4, 2010
Luke,
Thank you for your service and sacrifice on this the 4th of July, 2010. You shall always be a posted hero in my classroom at Howland High School in Warren, Ohio. Thank you for our freedom.
May God Bless and keep you,
Ed Emch Government Teacher H.H.S.
Cody Feeback
June 23, 2010
Doc,
I think about you all the time we all miss you and thank you for everything you did miss you man SEMPER FI!!!
Cody Feeback SGT/USMC
DeAndra Alonzo
May 19, 2010
hey mister just stopping by to let you know that I was thinking of you. Keep watching over us. Love u lukey...
April 6, 2010
hey homie,
i know its been a while...but youre never far from my thoughts...i miss you homie, more then words can describe...love you man.
-Garcia
Peggy Childers
March 2, 2010
To the family and friends of Hospitalman Lucas W.A. Emch:
Remembering Lucas on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
DeAndra Alonzo
March 1, 2010
Hey man, its been a while since I seen ya. I miss ya and this month is always the hardest, but Ive been thinking about you a lot. Keep an out for us as always. Love you man. HM2 Alonzo
February 27, 2010
Been thinking about you more and more lately. CLaytor is ok. I just talked with him, and he misses you also. we love you man, and come visit me in my dreams every now and again. Love you. HM2.
John Sterba
October 30, 2009
Wes, Julie, and Sam,
I still think about you and remember Luke. Remember to call on me if you ever need anything.
DeAndra Alonzo
September 19, 2009
hey emch, we love you man and miss you at 7thesb. I'm sorry i did not attend your funeral, but you know how i am. I don't do well at all with emotional stuff. it still gets hard for me and claytor when we think of you, or talk about you when something reminds us of you. we luv you and miss you deeply. we're always praying for you and your family.
Diane Jones
August 12, 2009
To the family of HN Lucas Emch, I wish to send my deepest heartfelt condolences on the loss of your son. I am sure he was a wonderful person and know you are very proud of him. My husband and I both are former Corpsman and now my son serves with the Marines as a Corpsman at Camp Pendleton. My son has gone to Iraq already and now may be leaving for Afghanistan. We worry constantly, but are so proud that he wants to help others. My husband and I have always had a special place in our hearts for Corpsman and always will. They are all very special. I hope God will help ease your pain.
Melanie Staubitz
July 2, 2009
Dear Wesley, Julia, and Samantha Emch,
My name is Melanie Staubitz, and my church's Prayer Shawl Ministry belongs to the national PS4FS (Prayer Shawls for Fallen Soldiers) organization. We sent you a card several months ago, asking if you would like to receive one or more prayer shawls from our organization to honor the memory of Lucas, one of America's true heroes. We would be honored to send you a shawl to show you we have not forgotten Lucas and that we truly appreciate your and his ultimate sacrifice. If you would like one or more shawls, please contact me at [email protected], or you may contact Sharon Schuesler at my church, Messiah Lutheran Church in Greenhills (Cincinnati), Ohio at [email protected]. We would be honored to hear from you. God bless.
Rainier Ko
May 26, 2009
Dearest Luke,
To fulfill a promise to myself, I write you this letter.
I have never met you, but it has been through my privileged friendship with your amazing sister, Samantha that I began to know you. She shared with me your story, your photos, your life, who you were, and what you believed in.
Over the course of the last three months, I have seen how Sam loves you & honors you every single day. It comes in a myriad of forms: I see it on her Prius license plate, her facebook profile, apple desktop, the outer face of her locker, the Packer’s paraphernalia, and her coffee mug that perpetually refuses to open.
It percolates into the cell phone conversations she has with your parents back in Brimfield. I hear the regular updates on Tony’s ongoing, fortuitous recovery and know that every Sunday, Wes & Julie visit you at your final resting place.
Mark Twain said “Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man.” When I turned 19, I distinctly remember reading another memorable quote that stated “If there is no cause for which you would die for, then you have never truly lived.” Sadly, Luke, I had no answer.
So how is it that you possessed such moral fiber, integrity, and principle at such a young age? I wanted to know the answer to these questions. I wanted to know of you.
One might see it as an impossible task to truly know you without ever having met you. This might be true & for this I am deeply saddened - but this did not stop me from trying.
I did this by listening carefully to every memory your sister has chosen to share with me. Through her words I learned of your bravery, humility, your sense of humor, patriotism, and how you might even justify wearing shades at night. Through the remaining songs on your Ipod, I’ve tried to learn about the music that touched you most. Through your photos, I saw the gentleness in your eyes, the windows to a selflessly caring soul.
I have read or heard almost every article or broadcast in your remembrance – they described you as “sincere, caring, honorable, selfless, and courageous.” You knew how to make people laugh. You touched lives. You saved lives. You were willing to brave any hazard to reach the side of a wounded Marine and prepared to give your life to save them. I learned that you always put others before you.
I did this by reading every entry within 33 pages of this legacy “guest book” mounted on the web in your memoriam. From Tallmadge, Akron, Columbus, to the four corners of the nation, so many praised you for the choosing to “protect those who were protecting us.” But mostly, Luke, they called you a true ‘hero’.
I cannot even attempt to describe your family’s love for you, or how much they miss you. Words would fail to show the strength everyone continues to conjure to carry on over the last two years. The tragedy of your death has had a monumental impact on all of those who love you, yet there is no analgesia for the ripple effect that emanates from the scourges of war. George Patton once said it is an injustice “to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.”
So perhaps I may never truly know you, but I can learn ‘from’ you by learning ‘of’ you. On this Memorial day, I write you the with utmost humility, and ask that we honor you by remembering you: son, brother, navy corspman, friend, hero. On this day, I pray for your family & friends and all those who served so honorably.
George Bernard Shaw once said “Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it.” But not you Luke; not Dustin, or Nate, or Matthew – you and countless others soldiers displayed a courage, a sense of duty & honor that we will forever respect & remember.
Perhaps I shall never possess the eloquence that will allow this letter to serve as just testimonial to you. Yet, my journey to discover you has helped me explain why you have been such a formative part of Samantha’s life & persona. Through her, you remind me of what is truly important in life. You make me strive to be a better person with the fleeting & precious time we have on this earth.
Luke, please know that within this letter lies a promise that I pledge to you – just as you chose to protect others, please know that I will do everything in my power to protect your sister from harm, even as you continue to watch over her. I will visit you in Rittman. I will honor you. I will remember you.
In memorium - Lucas W.A. Emch (KIA, Anbar province, Iraq, March 2nd, 2007)
Fortiter in re, suaviter in modo
Peggy Childers
March 3, 2009
To the family of Hospitalman Lucas W. A. Emch:
Lucas gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
CAPT Lori Frank
February 17, 2009
Dear Emch family,
I just finished reading the story of your son Luke in an older edition of "Navy Medicine." I am so sorry for the loss of your son/brother/friend. I wish I had known him or had the opportunity to work with him. He sounded like an incredible young man. As it so happens, I was in Iraq when he was killed. I was not near Ramadi, but I was in Iraq where I witnessed too many others that met his same fate. I found that war is truly hell and there are no winners only losers. Again, I am sad for your loss.
I am working on a project here in Texas that will move the entire Navy (as well as Army and Air Force) enlisted medical training programs to San Antonio. Please know in your heart that your son’s memory will live on forever in those corpsmen that will carry on in his footsteps. We are working everyday to make sure the campus we are building is based on the most sound and research based educational methods around and the curriculum contains those lessons learned from corpsmen, like Luke, that fought brave battles for their marines.
You must be saddened that his untimely and tragic anniversary date is around the corner. Please know that on that day I plan to share your son’s story with my coworkers that include both Air Force and Army personnel. I want to remind them why we are here and what impact our school will have on those following Luke’s heroic path.
God bless and peace be with you. Sincerely, Lori Frank
Navy Action Officer, Executive Integration Process Team Medical Education & Training Command, Fort Sam Houston
Kenna Larra
February 5, 2009
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,400 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
The Summit Choral Society
November 1, 2008
In Remembrance, a tribute concert for Lucas W. A. Emch on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 in Akron, Ohio.
Join the Summit Choral Society on Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. at historic St. Bernard Church in downtown Akron as the Masterworks Chorale presents "In Remembrance" -- a concert combining the powers of music and art to remember and pay tribute to Northeast Ohio's service men and women who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Portrait artist William Rollins will display the portraits he has drawn of these soldiers as a personal tribute to each man and woman. The families of these fallen heroes have been personally invited to attend this memorial concert with a place of honor in the audience.
For more information, visit http://www.summitchoralsociety.org
james judice
October 31, 2008
luke,
things aren't the same here. miss you a lot brother. love you man.
June 20, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Hospitalman Emch!
Tyler Billings
May 8, 2008
Luke I miss you a lot brother. I still look our pictures when we went LA that crazy weekend. You made my life so much easier when times were tough!
Betty Frye
April 5, 2008
In memory of Luke , my you find comfort in knowing that he is looking down on you.
Proud Air Force Mom
Michael Iezzi
March 3, 2008
Lucas,
Thinking and praying for you on the 1st anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.
Happy Birthday
Michael iezzi
February 8, 2008
Lucas,
Happy Birthday in Heaven. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Debra Estep
February 8, 2008
In memory of Luke,
Holding his family close in prayer.
@.....>..........
.
January 8, 2008
Luke I miss you so much. I was talking about how funny you were and how great of person you were the other day. I would do anything just to have one more minute with you.
dan malorni
December 21, 2007
funny story about me and luke, i was over there the entire time with him in iraq and i had heard he was over there but i had no idea with what unit. wes was my teacher in high school and i had heard all about luke from him, wes is very proud of him. but one day in february a eod team stopped by my eod team to say hi and get some items....i never asked their names or anything and then i found out a few weeks later that they had been hit and their corpsman had been killed. a month after that in april my mom had sent me a package with a newspaper article about luke and i had found out he was the one who i had seen that one day....luke you will be missed and most importantly never forgotten....semper fi "doc"!
Brittney Kaeka
December 3, 2007
Luke you are one heak of a nice man. You are a great person,your mom is to i talk to her all the time. One do i will be up there with you to.
I miss you.
Jimi and Amy Justice
September 14, 2007
Sammie and Family,
Still thinking of you and praying you're doing OK. I worked with Sammie at the ER and know she adored her brother, I am so sorry for your loss and we are all proud of the sacrifice he made.
September 6, 2007
Your son is truly a hero. I wish we had more men like him in this country. I will always remember his story, I'm sure you are so proud. Your family and all those he was close to will be in my prayers.
August 17, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
August 10, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Hospitalman Emch and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! It is especially sad to lose a fellow member of the Buckeye state. May God bless all of you!!
Florence McSween-Elkins
July 31, 2007
To All Parents
“I’ll lend you for a little time a child of Mine,” He said.
“For you to love the While he lives and mourn for when he’s dead.
It may be six or seven years, or 22 or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief.
You’ll have his lovely memories as solace and relief.
“I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are some lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I’ve looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to take him back again?”
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter him with tenderness, we’ll love him while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay;
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we’ve planned.
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.”
I share in your loss; Proud Mother of Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Adam McSween EODMU-11; IKA near Kirkuk, Iraq on 04-06-07
Carol
July 30, 2007
Hello, Friends: I know it's not getting any easier to accept the loss of Luke, even as time passes. Please know that, even though I don't know you, you're in my thoughts and prayers each time I pass his place on Sandy Lake Road.
Don Elseroad
July 26, 2007
In recognition of "Doc" Lucas W. A. Emch's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment Number 969 of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.
SEMPER FIDELIS
Don Elseroad
Junior Vice Commandant
MCL Detachment #969
Lee Sirotnak
July 8, 2007
Please know that as time goes on, your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers. Prayers that God will bless you with comfort and peace, and prayers of thankfulness for the heroes like Lucas who have sacrificed everything for us, and for those like Lucas who are there to care for my Marines. God Bless you and your family.
Ronn Massie
June 29, 2007
God bless the family and friends of Lucas.
You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Lucas for being such a brave hero.
(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)
Adam Duford
June 24, 2007
To the Emch family:
I met Lucas in TPU in Great Lakes, IL. He was a great guy and a great friend. All of us that met Lucas there were very saddened at the news of our friend. He will be missed. We are all better for having known him.
Lacey Szilagyi
June 19, 2007
Hi Sammie. It's Lacey from Kent. I heard about your brother and I can't say how much my heart goes out to you. I wish I would have known and could have offered you some support. I am so sorry for your loss, I know how much you loved him. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts every day and I wish you all the best. I love ya Sammie. My cell phone is still the same, call me when and if you see this. -Lacey
The Bable Family
June 4, 2007
Wes, Julie & Sammie: God Bless you for raising such a nice, courageous, smart young man. Luke's personality was awesome. It didn't surprise us one bit that Luke joined up to support the other soliders. He truly was a unique young man. Please know that our hearts are with you and we continue to pray for you daily.
Linda Wilson
May 30, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers and thoughts. Bless you and take care.
Carol
May 27, 2007
What a nice article in today's paper--another tribute to Luke and the parents who raised a young man willing to serve his countrymen. May God continue to comfort and bless you.
Your friends in Rootstown
May 26, 2007
Thinking of you and remembering Luke this Memorial Day weekend. Our community thanks you for your sacrifice.
Sebastian Family
May 25, 2007
I would like to thank Luke for his dedication to our country and his Marines. As a father of a Marine I have come to know that there is none other than their Corpsman who is more revered. As we remember our Fallen Hero's this Memorial Day Weekend please know that Luke and your Family will be in our hearts and prayers.
ROBYN Garside
May 14, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Michael Iezzi
May 9, 2007
Father we entrust our brother Lucas to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Lucas in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Yolanda Valdez
May 9, 2007
Another Fallen Hero ~
My heart breaks as I sign another guestbook of such a courageous soldier who gave his life so selflessly. May he rest in peace knowing that he is loved and remembered by those who knew him. God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and made the ultimate sacrifice. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the entire family. May God grant you peace, strength and comfort in such a difficult time. My prayers are with your family.
We understand what you are experiencing and feeling. No amount of words can ease the pain of your loss. We know first hand there are no words of comfort at this time. We lost our only son 9-3-2004 at the age of 19 and it fells like yesterday. Know that there are Marine families across the USA who is experiencing your loss and pain. You are not alone. We will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes.
I still fly my Marine flag and have my Marine tag and sticker on my vehicles because I'm PROUD of my SON and all the MARINE MEN and WOMEN out there. My daughter is also a MARINE. I will always be a MARINE. We are proud of you all. “Land of the Free, Because of the Brave”
Thank you Legacy.com for setting up this website so families can quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves across this great nation.
Once a Marine, Always a Marine!
Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!
Proud Marine Parents of an American Hero
LCpl. Nicholas S. Perez – KIA 9~3~04 – Al Anbar Province, Iraq
Andrea Reese
May 8, 2007
May you rest in peace sweet soldier.IN loving memory of staff seargent Harrison brown killed on april 8,2007. thanks to all fallen soldiers.may your family find peace as I did when my dear friend was killed on easter sunday april 8,2007.
Zulma Adorno
May 7, 2007
To the family of Hospitalman Lucas W.A. Emch, my most sincere condlolences. As a mother of a son presently serving in Iraq, I can only imagine the pain you are feeling. I pray each day for all those young men who face untold peril each day they are there. I pray that they all come home soon to the families and friends that love them. I also know that I can one day receive the dreadful news I never want to hear. But, I also know that if that were to happen, I have the hope of receiving the blessing of Jesus' promise at John 5:28&29. The promise that one day all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out. Rest assured that one day soon, you can once again embrace your dear loved. My prayers are with you.
Henryk Zaleski (Lt,SC,USN-Ret)
May 7, 2007
Fair winds and following seas shipmate.
Cory and Mary Orvik
May 6, 2007
We are sorry it took us so long to post an entry for your family member. We are trying to catch up after locating this website. God Bless Legacy.com for allowing us to honor these heros.
We can't imagine what you have been going through since being notified of the death of your young Warrior. The Military and families all over the USA and world are grieving with you and praying for you. What a very brave individual you have in your family that would give up a life for their homeland and its people so they can remain free. Your Freedom Fighter has served the Country above and beyond the call of duty, let no one ever tell you different. With the mission now completed your Warrior has been redeployed to Heaven to sit on the right hand of the Supreme Commander and Chief. The Father above has Lucas in his arms and will give him peace as well as eventually easing your pain and suffering. God speed to you and Lucas W.A. Emch, our HERO. We are so proud of them that are willing to sacrifice for this great Nation, THANK YOU.
Army Retired
Susan Tomci
May 5, 2007
Dear Emch Family:
I want to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. My heart aches for you, when I heard about another local Marine killed, I cried. It is hard for me to find the right words but I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. When I read Joseph's online obituary today, I was deeply touched that you placed Luke next to Joseph, especially since they were both Marines. Thank you for your message. My heart aches for you because I do realize some of your pain. My husband's son, Cpl. Joseph A. Tomci, was killed last August in Iraq and then John died September 30, 2006. Although, I am not Joseph's mother, I was in his life for over 13 years and loved him like my own child.
May God watch over you and comfort you.
You Know
April 23, 2007
Luke,
I am sorry it has taken so long for me to write you. I am still in shock. I dont want to believe it and I cant not let myself. I think about you everyday. I think about all the fun times we had together. I miss you with all my heart. If I only had one wish, it would be to tell you that you were the funniest most enjoyable person I know. God, do I wish you were here to make me laugh right now. I am sorry I never got to say goodbye. I hope you know you are truely missed and thought of everyday. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. I love ya Luke.
Carol Cline
April 15, 2007
Know in your heart that Luke is a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace Luke. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.
To Luke's family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.
Sandy Bonesteel
April 14, 2007
As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
April 10, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Emch family in the loss of Lucas. I did not know Lucas, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Lucas you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Shawn Henderson
April 9, 2007
To the Emch Family,
I didn't know Lucas, but my roommate is stationed in Iraq and was on his team and was there March 2. I wanted you to know I included Lucas in a special Easter season Mass at the Basilica in Washington, D.C. I did not know where to send the announcement, so I sent it to his team in Ramadi. Please know your family is in our prayers.
April 9, 2007
I was devastated the day that Luke and Dustin passed. It was a dark day for us here in Ramadi. I knew both of them through work and had spent time speaking with Luke about his career plans. His shining personality I'll never forget, and I am thankful to have met him. He will be missed.
Senior Chief Kent Marcantel
USN
Ar Ramadi, Iraq
Class Of 2010
March 19, 2007
Mr.& Mrs. Emch.
Luke was a wonderful boy.. he was loved by many and never ever hated. I love him so much. and i deff miss him dearly. He was a best friend. a brother. a cousin. a soilder. AND DEFF OUR HERO! We all love him so much . he is the one and only!! So many people cared about him.. i was one of them. i love you luke.. i miss you so much. i will be out to your grave every day.. just to say hello. I love you honey.
-tallmadge Class of 2010
Kellie and Julie Hankins
March 19, 2007
I didn't personally know Luke, but his father taught both my sister and I. We both send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends.
Nelda Self
March 16, 2007
Each and every one of our sailors (as well as members of the other branches) are very precious to us. I offer my heartfelt condolences on the loss of the fine young man.
Lea Weeks (formerly Futules)
March 14, 2007
To the Emch Family,
I graduated in 2000 from Tallmadge, so unfortunately I did not have the pleasure of meeting him. I can't even begin to comprehend what it is like to lose someone at such a young age. It seems like only yesterday we were mourning for the loss of Nate, and now here were are once again mourning for one of our own. I feel honored that somebody I don't even know gave his life in order for us to enjoy the the freedoms that all human beings should be able to enjoy. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May his memory be eternal.
God Bless You
David Sebastian
March 14, 2007
To the Family and Friends of Luke,
As the father of a Marine I have come to know that there is no one as near and dear to the Marines than their beloved Corpsman as they are in a class by themselves. Luke is a true American hero and will undoudtly be remembered as such.
Our sincere sympathies to your family and please have comfort in knowing that you are not alone. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kyle Batko
March 14, 2007
I will always remember luke being the person that made me look forward to a class. He woud always crack a joke to make us laugh and to make us feel comfortable. I will always remember him. I would like to thank his family for raising such a great kid and an American Hero! Stay strong!!!!!
March 14, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Kelly Thompson
March 13, 2007
I thank you Luke, I never had the chance to met you, but what you have done for our country and the freedom of myself and my children is a great blessing. I thank you for your bravary and I am sorry for your families lose. Words can't express the thanks I have and the sarrow your family has delt with in the last weeks.
Tallmadge Class of 2002, Kelly Thompson
March 13, 2007
I think of your family everyday and wish I could help shoulder some of your grief. May your happy memories bring you comfort during these hard times.
March 13, 2007
I didn't know luke as much as other classmates but I remember him being in mrs. wells enrichment. he was the only reason I could stand being in there everyday. he did something everyday to make us laugh.
Derric Nolte
March 13, 2007
I didn't know Luke personally, but sure do remember him from school. He always had a large group of people around him and people were always laughing. I respect someone who knows how to make people smile...I do the same. I respect someone who has the courage and drive to fight for our country...not sure if I could do the same, which makes me respect Luke that much more.
I am thinking your family. Stay strong.
Smith Family
March 13, 2007
May God bless your family during this time...He was truly a hero
Praying for you all
March 13, 2007
To the family,
As I watched the news yesterday, my heart cried for you all. I know through faith that God will see you through. I know through God's Grace that Luke is ok. Hold onto your memories and cherish them, cry as often as you need to, it helps with the pain of loosing such a dear young man. I didn't know him but as a mother my heart grieves for you. Trust in our God and kniw that you truly have and angel watching over each and every one of you.
Josh Webb
March 12, 2007
Mr and Mrs. Emch and Sammi,
I might not have known Luke as well as our other classmates, but Luke and i shared a bond that i don't think either of us knew about. We shared our best friends, I know that he will always be here to help me take care of them, as he helped me when he was here with us. My heart breaks to learn of the loss of someone i had so much in common with, and should have known much better. His greatness as a friend and as a man was shown this weekend, and i will be forever greatfull that i was apart of it. and able to help celebrate his wonderful life.
Allison Klusmann
March 12, 2007
Mr. and Mrs. Emch, and Sammy:
I really dont know how to put into words what luke meant to me. I can only pray he knew. I dont think there was ever one time that i was with him, that i didnt have a good time. He was a loyal friend, anyways there for me if i needed anything, even if he wasnt fond of what i needed help or advice about. He was the funniest, most giving, most geniune person that i have ever met, that i will ever meet. He was truely one of a kind. I know how hard this is for me, and can't even come close to imagining what you are all going through. I promise that i will come visit, give you ever picture of luke that i have, and i promise that i will never forget him. He is a hero to our country, he saved so many lives in iraq, and touched so many hear in ohio. I wish that i could change everything for you, turn this into one bad dream. Im sure none of this seems real to you either. Luke was any amazing man, a loyal friend, a loving son, and true hero. I want you to know how much he loved you guys. He talked about you guys alot, and always good things. You could tell that he really loved his family and wanted to protect them. Sammy, he would tell me about the guys you brought home, and how he would try to scare them by not shaving, so he looked scruffy haha. I am praying for you guys, and the rest of your family. I know is aweful that he died so young, but he really is a hero and has saved and touched so many. It is always sad when God calls people back to be with him, but Luke is in a better place, one day we can all be there with him. Until then i believe that he will keep an eye out for all of us that he loved. I love and miss him so much, he was an unbelieveable person.
Luke-you are my hero and my best friend, i dont know what i am going to do with out, i love you!
Jeanie Brown Family
March 12, 2007
To Wes, Juila & Sammie, it has been a while since our sons (Carl)played baseball together, but know this that you have done a wonderful job in raising Lukey, he always smiled and gave the best he could. I have no doubt that he is blessed for all that he has done. I wish for you all Peace, comfort and knowledge that your son was a true hero! "God Bless"
March 12, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Heather Stutzman
March 12, 2007
Luke i will never forget u! We grew up together when u went to field and we also went to driving school together! U helped me pass my driving test :) I will never forget u and your family is in my thoughts and prayers! I am sorry i was unable to make the services this weekend i was out of town but know that i will always have a special place in my heart for u! God Bless and R.I.P. sweetie...
Katie Blazick
March 12, 2007
Dear Mr.Emch and Family,
I did not know your son personally,but being a student of Wes' and hearing the stories he shared Luke sounded like a great person.It is not easy losing someone,I hope the sun shines on you soon.
Shery Onest
March 12, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss. I have a 21 year old son and cannot imagine the pain and loss you are feeling. First I want to thank you for your son's service and sacrifice. It is because of those like your son who choose to serve their country that we live the way we do and have what we have. My son was a student of your's Mr. Emch at Cuyahoga Falls High School. Matt and his friend Mike Bolt always talked of what a wonderful teacher you were. Because of you and other wonderful teachers like yourself he is now a Junior at Mt Union. You are in our family's thoughts and prayers. Please know that we are proud of your son's service and we grief with you and your family.
Sincerely,
The Hughes Family
March 12, 2007
To The Emch Family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We shall be forever grateful to your son for the sacrifice he made to protect our country and our freedoms. May God comfort you, and give you strength in the days ahead.
John Doering
March 12, 2007
Julie, I knew you at BGSU. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Alex Barkley
March 12, 2007
Luke and I were childhood friends in preschool in Ravenna, and we crossed paths on several occasions while growing up and playing sports. I wish I could have known Luke better than I did, but I can tell how great of a person he was from the comments of all the wonderful people who love him. My deepest sympathies go out to the Emch family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Stadelman
March 12, 2007
Emch Family,
I was friends with Luke in high school, and every memory I have of him contains laughter. He lived life to the fullest every day. I never remember Luke without a smile on his face. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and I hope you share in the comfort that he is happy now, and out of pain. My prayers are with you
Jesse Wray
March 12, 2007
To the Emch Family,
I can't say that I knew Luke as well as most people, but I do know this much, the respect and admiration I have for him knows no limit. His friends around him have nothing but the greatest praise for him, and he has so many people who love him, to me that stands as a testimony that we truly lost a great person. My brother JJ was a good friend of Luke and I first remember first meeting him as he, JJ, and other members of their senior class were dressing up for spirit squad. He had a wonderful personality and a cheerful demeanor. I regret that I cannot be there in person to pay my respects to Luke, but he is in my prayers, as are all of you.
God Bless,
--Jesse Wray--
Lin Bryant
March 12, 2007
Julie, Wes, and Sammy . . . I only remember Luke as a little cherubic boy, so cute, kind, well-behaved and delightful. I provided you with child care briefly when you lived in Uniontown. I am gravely saddened by your loss. I've thought of you often over the years. You are all in my prayers.
Amber Peters
March 12, 2007
Mrs. Emch, I will never forget your face as I saw you in the funeral procession today on Tallmadge circle. I could see the hurt and the loss, as well as the love and pride you feel for your son. As a mother, my heart grieves for you and your husband. I cannot imagine what you are experiencing through this devastating loss. Please know that you are being lifted up in prayer and that the Lord loves you unfailingly.
Christine
March 12, 2007
Emch Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, Luke was such a great guy and he was a great friend, he was always helping me when I needed it as I can see he has done the same for our country. He is deffinitly an Honorable soldier just as my friend Nate Deyarmin was, and its not fair that they are gone. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Sandra Barr
March 12, 2007
My heart goes out to your family. I work with his aunt and can not begin to express my sorrow at your loss. With a nephew of my own getting ready to go on his 2nd tour in Iraq, I understand the mix of emotions you must feel. I am so grateful for his service and sacrifice, yet I feel for your loss. I join my prayers to yours, with pride in who and what he was and tremendous sorrow for the grief you family is suffering. May you all find some measure of peace.
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