Gary Emerson

(From Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home)

Gary Eugene Emerson, age 61, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2020, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield after being hospitalized with Covid-19 for several weeks. He was born December 12, 1958, in Springfield, Missouri, the son of Billie Guy and Darlene Maxine (Sitton) Emerson.

Gary was a 1977 graduate of Willard High School in Willard, Missouri. On December 28, 1979, he married the love of his life, Tina Atkeson, in Springfield, Missouri.

Gary owned a woodworking business for over 20 years before serving 16 years as the Lawrence County Clerk. He was the Recorder of Deeds for Lawrence County since 2018.

Gary was a lifelong member of the Mt. Vernon Church of Christ, where he served as a Shepherd since 2006. He served on the Mt. Vernon R-5 Board of Education from 1993 to 2011, where he was board president for 9 years. He also served as a camp director at Happy Hollow Bible Camp for over 10 years.

Gary is survived by his wife of 41 years, Tina; two daughters, Lindy Desciak and her husband, Joseph, of Boston, MA and Lexie Emerson of Jacksonville, FL; two sons, Eli Emerson and his wife, Kendra, of Mt. Vernon and Ezra Emerson and his fiancé, Haleigh Evans, of Dallas, TX; two granddaughters, Abriella and Piper Emerson; one brother, Greg Emerson and his wife, Terri, of Meridianville, AL and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Billie and Darlene and an infant son, Ethan Emerson.

Visitation under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2020, at the Mt. Vernon Church of Christ. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 9, 2020, at the Mt. Vernon Church of Christ. A private family burial will follow at the Campground Cemetery.

Due to Covid 19, the family has requested for those attending the services to please wear a mask and to practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the Happy Hollow Bible Camp or the Fair Haven Children’s Home, in care of the funeral home. The family requests stories and memories of Gary to be sent to EmersonChronicles@gmail.com. Online condolences maybe shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com.