William F. Emlich Sr.

1931 - 2017

Emlich Sr. Dr. William F. Emlich, Sr., 85, of Centerburg, Ohio, died at 9:57 a.m. on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, following an extended illness. He was born October 19, 1931, son of the late Anna L. and Frederick Emlich. He dedicated his life to the practice of medicine, in Centerburg, where he began in 1959. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Norma Thomas Emlich, whom he married on August 15, 1952. He is also survived by two children, Dr. William F. Emlich, Jr. (Margo) and Kerry E. Haddox (Mike); as well as, six grandchildren, William F. Emlich, III, Tyler Emlich, Christian Emlich, Korey Haddox, Kodey Haddox, Kade Haddox, and Kallen Haddox, who lovingly referred to him as "Bah." In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters and two brothers. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as, grand nieces and nephews. Dr. Emlich was a graduate of Mt. Vernon High School, Muskingum College, and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. Board Certified in Family Practice, he was a member of the Ohio Osteopathic Association, the American Osteopathic Association, the 6th District Academy of Osteopathic Medicine and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practitioners. He also was a member of the Ohio State Osteopathic House of Delegates. On the staff of Knox Community Hospital, Dr. Emlich served as Chief of Staff and was a member of the Board of Trustees. He was further engaged in numerous civic activities, including serving as a member of the Salvation Army Board of Trustees and as Medical Director of the Hilliar Twp. / Centerburg Volunteer Fire Department. He also served as the Assistant Coroner of Knox County. Dr. Emlich was beloved by his loyal patients, who in 1977, donated funds to buy all the equipment for the renovated ICU-CCU unit at the Martin Memorial Hospital. The unit was dedicated in his name as a "Living Tribute" to his work as a physician. Those same patients were instrumental in his selection, in 1995, as the State Osteopathic Physician of the Year. In addition to spending time with his family, Bill loved to build things and was never happier than when he had a hammer or trowel in his hands. He was an inspiration to all with whom he came into contact, including a son and grandson who followed him to a career in medicine. Friends and family may call from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2017, and 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the DOWDS-SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, 201 Newark Rd., Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday with graveside services following at 1 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, Fresno, Ohio, where he will be laid to rest. Memorial Contributions in the name of Dr. William F. Emlich, Sr. may be made to the Ohio Osteopathic Foundation (OOF), P.O. Box 8130, Columbus, Ohio 43201. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Dr. William F. Emlich Sr.