David Eugene Emerson

David Emerson, 72, succumbed to liver cancer on August 9, 2025, at home in Colbert, WA, with his wife and family by his side. He was born in Texas, the son of Phillip Blum and Lois Emerson, and spent most of his life in the Spokane area. David was preceded in death by his twin brother, Daniel Blum, his younger brother, Lorris "Larry" Blum, his parents, and his beloved dog "Igor". He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Emmons Emerson of Colbert, WA, sister Beverly Shuyler (husband Merle) of Goldendale, WA, brother Alan Blum of Otis Orchards, WA, daughter Jodi Parente of Bellevue, WA, and grandchildren Victoria Parente of San Luis Obispo, CA, and Ryan Parente of Seattle, WA. David will be greatly missed by his friends, colleagues, nieces, nephews, and extended family. David attended grade school, middle school and high school in Spokane, and served as a scout in the United States Army in Germany during the Vietnam War era. After his active duty, he joined the Army National Guard and served for many more years. In his early career he worked in a wide variety of jobs, including insurance sales, tow truck driving, warehouse stocking, and shipping & receiving before discovering his true calling in health care. David began focusing on that, working as a nursing assistant, getting his EMT certification, and graduating with his R.N. in 2003 from Spokane Community College. He worked as a nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital on the pulmonary unit until he retired in December of 2020. Before and after retirement he applied his medical skills as a volunteer nurse at the Union Gospel Mission medical clinic at the Spokane Men's Shelter. The medical clinic team became a very important part of his life and he continued volunteering with them until the last weeks of his life. One unexpected joy in David's life was when he learned that he not only had a daughter but two grandchildren. Jodi, Ryan and Victoria were ever-present in his thoughts and prayers, and he was so glad that he got to know them over the last 23 years. Ryan and Victoria hold many fond memories of their time at Calvary church camp-experiences that had a lasting, positive impact on their lives and that they deeply appreciate David making possible. He was able to enjoy more special times with them in his final days and weeks. David was a long-time bachelor before meeting his soon-to-be wife Jenny in 2021. They greatly enjoyed and appreciated their all-too-short four years together, mostly on the farm they jointly acquired in Colbert, WA, on the Little Spokane River. David's hobby was being a handyman, and he loved the never-ending projects related to fixing up the 75-year-old house and barn and generally improving the property. He had previously lived in the Emerson-Garfield neighborhood in Spokane where he completely remodeled two different houses before moving to Colbert. He always said, "If you can't be handsome, you need to be handy," but he was both. The true focus of David's life was his relationship with and trust in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a congregant at Calvary Spokane for over 40 years, volunteering in various capacities and financially supporting numerous ministries of Calvary Spokane, Union Gospel Mission, and other Christian organizations. He served as a wonderful example to his friends and family on how to trust God for everything. When making decisions he often prayed, "God, please show me the difference between a door and a wall," and if a door opened, he did not hesitate to go through it. David was a gracious, kind and generous man with a spirit of humility and a compassionate nature to help anyone in need, even those he did not know. To those who knew him he was a true example of faith and kindness, always encouraging people to have a personal relationship with Jesus. He was steadfast in his faith and was never ashamed of the gospel of Christ. His faith was particularly evident as his health began to decline and he drew ever closer to God. He knew that it was God who enabled him to live a full and generally healthy life after being diagnosed with hepatitis C and stage 4 cirrhosis of the liver over 20 years ago. He was truly at peace during his last several weeks and found much comfort in sharing his faith. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 5th, at Calvary Spokane, 511 W Hastings Rd, Spokane, WA, 99218. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a contribution "in memory of David Emerson" is encouraged to consider a donation to his church, Calvary Spokane (www.calvaryspokane.com), or to the Union Gospel Mission in Spokane (www.uniongospelmission.org). "Well done, good and faithful servant."