Donald J. Emery, 91, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 10:20 am Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
Donald was born on December 13, 1933, in Galesburg, the son of James A. and Florence (Barlow) Emery. He married Darlene Boone in 1957. He later married Connie (Abbott) Earp on June 28, 1987, in Galesburg. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Vivia M. (Wade) Stoney of Phoenix, Arizona and Lorna (Richard) Walker of Maryland; two stepsons, Dorne Gould of Phoenix, Arizona and Charles (Patricia) Earp of Galesburg; two stepdaughters, Lesa Jones of Lebanon, Missouri and Patricia Axcell of Galesburg; two sisters, Joyce Webber of Galesburg, Illinois and Marilyn (Ron) Martin of East Galesburg; fourteen grandchildren, twenty two great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Richard, William and Robert.
Donald lived most all his life in Galesburg, attending Galesburg schools. He enlisted in the United States Army from 1954 through 1956, stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Upon his return from the service, Donald made a career working as an electrical engineer for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 38 years, retiring in 1995.
Donald was a member of the National Association of Railroad Retirees. He also was a member of the Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285, later transferring to the Abingdon American Legion Post #381.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am Monday, June 2, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am Monday at the chapel. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery with Military Honor by the Knox County Honor Guard. Memorials may be offered to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children. Online condolences may be made a www.h-p-w.com
