Charles D. Emhardt

Charles David Emhardt

83, passed away peacefully at his home with family on January 14, 2015. David was the son of Dr. John William Augustus Emhardt and Martha MacDougall Emhardt. He was born on February 13, 1931, and lived in Indianapolis almost his entire life. He attended IPS Schools 84 and 31 and graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1948. He received a B.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Purdue University in 1952, and graduated from Harvard Law School in 1955.

He met the love of his life, Lucy Ann DeVaney, of Indianapolis, in the spring of 1954 when she was a senior at Wellesley College. She survives him. David and Ann were married on November 12, 1954, in the Harvard Memorial Chapel, and celebrated their 60th Anniversary just months ago. They were the proud parents of five children, Dr. John D. Emhardt (Joanie), Mrs. Carol Settles (Jim), Mr. Frederick D. Emhardt (Cynthia), Ms. Martha Emhardt, and Mrs. Lucy Ramsey (Dr. Drew). And they were the proud grandparents of 14 grandchildren, Dr. John R. Emhardt, Ian Smith, Andrew Emhardt, Mrs. Katie Clark (Matt), Matthew Pardue, Eli Pardue, Elizabeth Emhardt, Caroline Emhardt, Charlie Emhardt, Will Emhardt, Shannon Settles, Sarah Settles, Greta Ramsey, and Forrest Ramsey.

David moved back to Indianapolis after graduating from law school and started work as a patent lawyer with Lockwood Woodard Smith & Weikart. After he became partner, the firm changed its name to Woodard Weikart Emhardt & Naughton, and now is known as Woodard Emhardt Moriarty McNett & Henry LLP. David helped to grow the firm to more than 30 patent attorneys. He worked with Indiana companies, large and small, and individuals to protect their inventions and other intellectual property for more than 50 years, before retiring in 2011 at age 80. On his 75th birthday, Governor Daniels awarded him a Sagamore of the Wabash, which he displayed in his den for the rest of his life.

David served his community in many different ways. He was a lifelong member of First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church and served as an elder there for many years. He was a Mason for over 50 years and a member of the Scottish Rite and Murat Shrine. He was a Republican precinct committeemen and hosted elections in the garage of his home. He served as president of the Jordan YMCA and helped with its expansions in the 60s and early 70s. He was a member of the Downtown Optimist Club and served as its president. He joined the Lawyers Club of Indianapolis and served as its president. David was always easy going and approachable and loved by all those he came across.

David also served his country. He was a member of the ROTC at Purdue University, and served in the United States Army six months active duty and for 8 years in the Judge Advocate General's office of the Indiana National Guard.

David lived an active life for as long as his health allowed. He played handball. He picked up tennis at North Central High School in the early 60s and played on a USTA League National Champion team. He windsurfed at Eagle Creek and in Aruba and was a regional seniors champion. He went diving in Bonaire. He rowed crew with Culver alumnae. He "shot the gap" in North Carolina on his BMW motorcycle at age 70. He took his family on ski vacations and regularly skied the entire day, even at age 75. He still slalom water skied at age 70. He exercised at the Indianapolis Athletic Club on his lunch hours until it closed down. He sang barbershop quartet. In 2009, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and stayed in shape for as long as he could with workouts at Rock Steady Boxing. He was affectionately known by his family as "Super Dave."

David was a true family man and rabid Purdue sports fan. He loved spending time with his wife and children and grandchildren. He took his clan on winter and summer vacations regularly, including a jaunt to the Rose Bowl in 2001 to watch Drew Brees and Seth Morales. His love for his family, sage advice, and dry humor will long be remembered.

David's family wishes to thank Visiting Angels and all the caregivers that helped him move peacefully to heaven, Susan Ferrand, who has given tireless assistance as Dave and Ann's health has faltered, and Rock Steady Boxing and the beautiful way it helped David and helps so many others to cope with Parkinson's Disease. Memorial contributions may be made to Rock Steady Boxing, Inc., 6847 Hillsdale Court, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

Services will be held at First Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church, 4701 Central Avenue at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, followed by a celebration of his life at his beloved Woodstock Club. Arrangements by and online condolences at flannerbuchanan.com.