Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
John A. Emerson
1928 - 2020
John A. Emerson
1928 - 2020
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1928
DIED
2020
John Emerson Obituary
John was born June 26, 1928 in Chanute, KS. He was the son of the late Adrian V. Emerson and Josephine (Ashbrook) Emerson.
John attended the University of Kansas in 1946. Upon graduation, he received a commission in the United States Naval Reserves as an Aviation Cadet and became a Naval Aviator on July 16, 1952. During this time, he married Mary Lind of Chanute, KS. John flew the P5M Marlin while stationed at North Island, San Diego during the Korean War conflict.
After his service in the Navy, he returned to the University of Kansas Law School and completed his degree. After working several years in Topeka, he returned to Lawrence to join Richard A. Barber in his law practice. During his years of practice, he served as a fellow for the American College of Trial Lawyers and many other committees and organizations. John retired after almost 60 years with the law firm of Barber Emerson.
John had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed his friends and colleagues. He loved fishing, hunting, and golf. John spent many hours in his workshop refinishing and building furniture. But, most of all, he enjoyed time spent with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Mary (Lind) Emerson, his son, Dr. John A. Emerson of Baldwin City, KS., his daughter, Mary Ann (Emerson) Boyd and her husband, Brenton Rixey Boyd of Ft. Worth, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mary Alexandra (Boyd) Thornton and her husband, Jeffrey Turner Thornton of Ft. Worth, TX., Margaret Ann Boyd of Ft. Worth, TX., and Brenton Rixey Boyd, Jr. of Ft. Worth, TX.
The family wishes to give thanks to the staff of Brandon Woods for his loving care.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Trinity Episcopal Food Pantry or Meals on Wheels and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
A "Celebration of Life" will be scheduled for a later date.
For more information or to post a online condolences visit warrenmcelwain.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Chuck Hartigan
July 21, 2024
John was a pilot on PBM and P5M flying boats in the U.S. Navy in the 1950´s with patrol service out of the Manila area of the Philippines. I was fortunate to serve as a radioman on his plane and I can tell you he was one hell of a pilot and a great guy! That was so many years ago, but I can still clearly see him at the controls, confident and fearless, yet totally at ease while the rest of us needed an underwear change! My condolences to his family and friends! God speed, Lieutenant!
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Dennis Salyer
June 17, 2020
John, I will sure miss you, but now you are with your favorite MAN. GOD, the father, JESUS CHRIST, and the HOLY SPIRIT. Have a wonderful time in the best place their is, for all of eternity.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
Make a Donation
in John Emerson's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Emerson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more