He was born on Aug. 1, 1923, to Philip and Eva (de Rochier) Emanuel in Tacoma.
Ed attended Stadium High School, and joined the Navy soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served in the Pacific Theater as a radioman second class, earning two Battle Stars and two Campaign Ribbons. He fought in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
After the war Ed went to work for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, the same company that had employed his father. He would work for the Milwaukee Road for more than 30 years, in Ellensburg, Port Angeles, and Everett. He later worked for the Seattle North Coast Railroad.
After his retirement in 1983, Ed had a second career as a freelance writer, contributing many articles to railroad historical publications. He was an expert on the lore and history of the Milwaukee Railroad, particularly on the events surrounding its bankruptcy in 1980. In addition, he was a great lover of military history, especially that of the Pacific Theater of World War II, and maintained an impressive book collection.
He married Elizabeth Hornung on June 26, 1954 in Seattle. They were sweethearts right up to the end of their long and happy married life. The last thing Ed said was, “Marrying you was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me.” He often expressed gratitude for the devoted care Betty gave him during his last years.
Besides his wife, Betty, Ed is survived by his daughters, Ann Marie and Therese, and sons Ed Jr. and Philip. Many nieces and nephews on the Hornung side of the family also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Albert.
Ed was a devout Catholic and devoted much of his time and money to charitable causes. He was a proud veteran of the US Navy, a loyal member of the Patrol Craft Sailors Association, and a lifelong Husky football fan.
A funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marysville. A reception at the church will follow the service. Interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (care of St. Mary’s Church).
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