Lester Laverne Emery

Lester L. Emery, age 95, of Marion, IL passed away at 1:50 am on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the home of his daughter, Amanda surrounded by his children.

He was born in Marion, IL on August 9, 1930 the son of Ernest Ray and Carrie (Davis) Emery.

Lester answered the call of this nation in 1952 by serving in the United States Army during the time of the Korean War. He served with the 7th Division, 17th Infantry, Tank Company and fought in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. After his period of faithful service, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.

He was united in marriage to Phyllis Maxine Gower on June 25, 1954 in Marion, IL and together they shared 67 years of marriage until her death on October 26, 2021. This union was blessed with 7 children; Keith, Bruce, Bart, Crystal, Cindy, Amanda and Holly.

Lester was a man of many talents and was the entrepreneur of several businesses throughout his lifetime, he and his brother Charles started and operated Emery Brothers Skating Rink in Marion, IL beginning in 1957 to 1971. He also owned and operated the Marion Icehouse and Emery Redi Mix Concrete. He was elected as Williamson County Commissioner and served on numerous community boards throughout his lifetime, one of which was the Senior Citizens Board. He loved going to the Senior Citizens Center and visiting with his friends, playing pool and fishing.

He lived a life rich in love of family and dedication to his country and community and will be loved and missed by many.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Sharon Emery of Johnston City, IL; two sons and daughters-in-law, Bruce (Debbie) Emery of Crab Orchard, IL and Bart (Julie) Emery of Crab Orchard, IL; four daughters and two sons-in-law, Crystal Bargo of Crab Orchard, IL, Cindy Hutchcraft of Crab Orchard, IL, Amanda (Randy) Barnes of Crab Orchard, IL and Holly (Dave) Lightholder of Cocoa, FL; grandchildren, Brande (Kevin) Verble, Brian (Crystal) Emery, Susie (Devon) Newsome, Carrie (Kinsley) Kilpatrick, Mollie Emery, Audrey Emery, Caitlin (Dennis) Taul, Clinton and Victoria Hubbs, Kelsey (Nick) Boles, Austin Lightholder and Luke Bargo; great grandchildren, Logan, Tristan, Brodie, Bailey, Jaxon, Rylee, Silas, Liam, Amaya, Madelynn, Isabella, Nathaniel, Jasper and Nora; sister and brother-in-law, Delores and Earl Ray Dungey of Marion, IL; two sisters-in-law, Linda Clark of Carterville, IL and Debi Gower of Marion, IL, several nieces and nephews, other extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maxine Emery; son, Keith Emery; granddaughter, Autumn Kelly; infant sister, Anna Bell Emery; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Helen Emery and son-in-law, Delbert Bargo Sr.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.

The visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 with Rev. Ivan Ryan presiding.

Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery of Marion, IL.

Military Honors will be accorded at the funeral home by members of the United States Army Funeral Honors Detail and the Marion V.F.W. Heyde-Pillow Post 1301 Funeral Honors Detail.

For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to "The Veteran's Honor Flight." This organization was important to Lester for he was a participant on a flight once. The contributions received in his memory will help offset expenses incurred in providing veteran's an opportunity to tour Washington DC. Contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.

For more information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.