Gordon Howard Emerson (96) passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025. He was born on August 8, 1929, in Minneapolis, MN to Oluf and Helen Emerson. Gordon lived a life of generosity, integrity, and faith.
Gordon was baptized on October 21, 1929 in Oxboro, MN by Rev. A. Edward Peterson, confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church, Amarillo, TX on December 20, 1959 by Rev. William A. Johnson, and became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, San Angelo, TX on November 22, 1970.
Gordon graduated from Isle High School, Isle, MN in May 1947. Shortly after graduation, he entered the United States Air Force, where he served in Japan, Philippine Islands, Taiwan, studied Mandarin Chinese Language at Yale University, New Haven, CT as well as various bases across the United States before serving at Goodfellow AFB. Gordon retired as Senior Master Sergeant at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, TX on May 1, 1973 after 25 years of service and returned to San Angelo.
Following his retirement from the USAF, he was employed at various jobs at Goodfellow AFB before his final retirement in 1991.
Gordon loved gardening and volunteered at Trinity Lutheran Church taking care of the grounds - planting trees, mowing grass, and general property maintenance. He saw to it that the beautiful grounds reflected his love for God.
Gordon married Margaret Anne Witt at Falls Church, VA on May 2, 1953.
Gordon is survived by his son, Mark H, Emerson (Muriel) of San Angelo; daughter, Mary Ellen Emerson of San Angelo; granddaughters, Amy Emerson (Jason Hill) of Austin, TX, Rebecca Emerson (AJ Sohn) of Okinawa, Japan; grandson, Eric Emerson (Danielle) of San Angelo; great-grandchildren, Evan, Sebastian, Philomena, Maria, and Marcel; brothers, Kenneth and Vernon; and sisters, Beverly and Janice.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oluf and Helen Emerson; wife, Margaret A. Emerson; daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen Emerson and Charlie Fuson; grandson, Connor Dabney; and brothers, Robert, Dennis, Ralph, and Neil.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday August 29, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Allan Eckert officiating. Interment with military honors to follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Marvin Schulz Memorial Endowment Fund in memory of Gordon Emerson.
