John Charles Emmen

John Charles Emmen, 66, of Pryor, Oklahoma, passed from this life on Monday, May 8, 2023, at his home. He was born on September 26, 1956, in Wilmar, Minnesota, to John Henry and Deloris (Jaenish) Emmen. Proudly and faithfully serving in the United States Military, he spent three years in the Army and 17 years in the Marine Corps. Moving to Pryor from California, John had resided here for the last 30 years. Upon retirement from the military, he attended Rogers State University in 1997 and became a Certified Paramedic. Serving the Mayes County and surrounding areas, he spent many years dedicating his time working for MESTA. Always desiring to serve others, he was a member of the Hard Corps Motorcycle Club as a Chaplain, as well as a member of Adair Christian Church. Through the years, he officiated many weddings for numerous friends and family. He was also a member of the United States Marine Corps Highlanders in Camp Pendleton, California. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time outdoors and going hunting with his wife, Karla. He had a special love for his fur children, Vixie, Thor, John Henry, Rivet, Tori, Rose, Talker and Blessing. Leaving a lasting imprint on many lives, John leaves behind an incredible legacy that will never be forgotten. He leaves this world with a lifetime of love, laughs, and many memories. He will be deeply missed by an entire community of those he impacted with his life.
Funeral services for John will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 15, 2023, in the Shipman's Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Patrick Ridenhour officiating. A Celebration of Life will take place at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Hard Corps Motorcycle Club in Stroud, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m., in the Bethel Methodist Cemetery in Hydro, Oklahoma with Jerry Sherley, Mason Sherley, Shane McCaslin, Steve VanHorn, and Mo Emerson serving as casket bearers. A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Shipman's Funeral Home. To leave his family a message, please visit his guestbook at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.
He is survived by his wife, Karla Emmen, of the home; brothers, Richard Emmen and wife Sandy of Florida, Charles Emmen and wife Evelyn of Oregon, and James of Oklahoma City, OK; sister, LuAnn of Oklahoma City; nephew Jason of Florida; nieces, Mary of Oklahoma City, and Amy of Oregon; and a host of family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Deloris Emmen; and nephew, Mikey.