Emma was born on July 20, 1941, in Springfield, the daughter of John and Bertha E. Lawson Richard. She married Roy J. Bowen on July 25, 1964, in Springfield; he preceded her in death on March 20, 2007.
She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Vallerie Ann Shepherd.
She is survived by her son-in-law, Bob Shepherd; five grandchildren, Charles and Nicklos Miller, and Joseph “Joey” (Crystal) Shepherd, Jessie Shepherd, and Frances “Frannie” (Glenn) Skelton; three siblings, George Richard, Bessie Thorne, and Mary Williams; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.
