Emile Justus Lauber, Jr

Emile J. Lauber, Jr., born December 18, 1931 to Emile J. Lauber, Sr. and Mildred Watson Lauber in Mobile, AL died October 19, 2022 in Birmingham, AL. Emile graduated from Murphy High School and attended the University of Alabama Mobile. Emile worked for Merchants National Bank (now Regions Bank) and Sears Roebuck and Company prior to serving his active-duty commitment in the US Army. Emile is an atomic veteran who was assigned to Joint Task Force Seven in Washington DC and the South Pacific where he witnessed the detonation of the first hydrogen bomb.

Once his military service was complete, he returned to work at Sears. He was transferred to Natchez, MS, and later to Paducah, KY. Emile moved to Chicago, IL to join Montgomery Ward where he served as the National Retail Sales Manager of Appliances and Electronics and was instrumental in rolling out the "Electric Avenue" concept that brought brand name appliances to department stores. Emile enjoyed traveling with his wife, Nola Lee Lauber, on his numerous business trips around the world. Emile retired from Montgomery Wards in 1998, and he moved with Nola to Hot Springs Village, AR. He was an active member and past President of the Hot Springs Village Lions Club.

Upon the death of his wife in 2018, Emile moved to Birmingham, AL. Emile was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two sons-in-law (Ken Gray and Frank Cusimano) and one granddaughter (Olivia Spencer Jay) and former spouse, Marilyn Brewer Lauber. Emile is survived by three daughters: Debbie Gray, Jan Cusimano, Emily Jay (Steve) and nine grandchildren: Lauren Gray, Philip Gray (Hannah), Carrie Gray Beoddy (Micah), Catie Gray Tramel (Matthew), Susanna Gray, Kelly Cusimano, Chase Cusimano (Katie), Whitney Jay Carson (David), and Bryant Jay. Emile also leaves behind nine great grandchildren: Louis Gray, Helen Gray, Charlotte Gray, Martin Gray, Oliver Gray, Caroline Cusimano, Christopher Cusimano, James Carson, and Tabitha Tramel.

A private service for immediate family was conducted at Alabama National Cemetery on October 26, 2022.