Wayne Emery

It is with great sadness that the family of Wayne Emery, 82 of Prospect, announce his passing on January 20, 2025. Wayne died peacefully in his sleep, having spent the previous several days surrounded by family and friends singing his favorite hymns and sharing memories.
Wayne was born December 1, 1942 in Marion, the only child of Maxine (Griffith) and Floyd Emery of Prospect. Maxine and Floyd ran the local grocery store in town for most of Wayne's childhood and adolescence. This time proved incredibly formative for Wayne, engendering a love of Prospect that would last his entire life. He would go on to serve the village as a township trustee and fiscal officer for a combined total of nearly 50 years and as a member of the Prospect Lions Club for over 55 years. He loved sports, especially all things related to the Buckeyes. He owned and operated a card shop in Prospect for many years. He was a lifelong member of the Prospect United Methodist Church.
Wayne graduated from Prospect High school in 1961. He would go on to attend and graduate from The Ohio State University in 1966 with a degree in Education. He would use his degree to further serve his community, teaching at Elgin Junior High School for 30 years and as a substitute teacher for an additional 12 years. He also coached 7th grade basketball and little league baseball. In public, he was often approached by his former students to be told of the impact he had on their lives. He loved his work, the opportunity to serve, and the role he played in other people's lives.
Wayne loved to travel. After graduating from college he spent his free time visiting points far and wide. His faith often guided his travels. He would visit historically important places to Christianity, including Jerusalem, the Garden of Gethsemane, and areas that were closed to proselytizing the good news of the Gospel. One of Wayne's favorite travel stories was his trip to communist Russia with smuggled Bibles that were distributed to underground churches and believers throughout the totalitarian regime. He continued traveling with his children and grandchildren through 2018.
Wayne married Sharon (Greenwood) McCoy in 1988 and adopted her two daughters Erin and Carrie. His daughters and their children were his chief joy in his later years. He loved to spend time with them and, moreover, he loved to spoil them at Christmas, their birthdays, and at every occasion he could find. His children and grandchildren who survive him will be forever grateful for his generosity and love. He is survived by Erin (Dustin) Shook, and their son Arden Shook of Ada, Carrie (Levi) Pasma, and their children, Ryan, Austin, Tyler, Adney, and Bonnie Pasma of LaRue.
Among his greatest pleasures in life were playing the dulcimer, teaching others how to play, and attending festivals and gatherings with his friends. He hosted monthly music gatherings through December 2024. He spent his last years in a cabin living life side-by-side with the Pasma family.
Funeral Services will be held Friday January 24, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Prospect Methodist Church. Pastors Gene Phelps and Tim Pasma will officiate. Burial will follow in the Prospect Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday January 23, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Prospect.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Prospect Methodist Church, P O Box 6 Prospect, Ohio 43342