2/19/1926 â€" 8/23/2012 & 4/13/1926 â€" 9/6/2012 Emmett was born in Fairmont, W.Va., and moved to Erie, Pa. as a child. He served in the Army Air Force at the end of WWII, then married Billie Jean Kingsley, also of Erie, in 1948. Emmett was employed by Singer Co. for 43 years, working his way up from factory worker to Personnel Manager at the American Meter division, then in 1981 was transferred to the Kearfott division in Southern California as HR Director, where he remained until his retirement in 1989. Billie was a secretary, employed over the years at The Winter Co, Penn Extrusion, Ferrier's Hardware and State Farm Insurance. In California, Billie was an active volunteer in the local hospital auxiliary. Emmett was an avid golfer his entire life, winning many local tournaments. Billie learned to play as well, and together they joined the Lawrence Park Country Club in Erie. After they retired, they played many courses throughout Southern California and Florida. Emmett & Billie were fortunate enough to have travelled the world, visiting London, Paris, Rome, Venice, plus cruising to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and through the Panama Canal. They are survived by their three children, Patricia Sawyer of Orwell, Ohio, Robert Phillips of Mentor, Ohio and Cynthia Phillips of San Diego, Calif., as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A private memorial was held at Eternal Hills Mortuary in Oceanside, Calif. Emmett & Billie were a sweet, gentle couple who were loved by many and will be missed by all who knew them. They were married 64 years and are now at peace, spending eternity together.
Published in the Erie Times-News on September 21, 2012
