Verne E. Emert

WASHINGTON?Verne E. Emert, 89, of Ormond Beach, Florida, formerly of Washington, passed away at 12:20 a.m., Sunday, May 5, 2013 at the Health Center of Daytona Beach. Verne was born on November 24, 1923 in Peoria to Gerald and Elsie (Combs) Emert. He married Geraldine Price Ballard in Peoria on August 6, 1957. Gerry passed away in Sycamore, Illinois on January 22, 2005. Among those surviving is one daughter, Margie (John, Jr.) Sweeney of Ormond Beach; one step daughter, Judy (Fred) Simpson of Florida as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by one brother, LeRoy; one step son, Ronald Blakey and two step daughters, Linda Zehr and Bobbi Hibbard. Verne retired from Hiram Walker in Peoria where he had worked for over 35 years in shipping department management. After retirement he also worked as a condominium property manager in Ft. Myers, Florida. He also was an Army veteran of World War II serving in the Asiatic pacific theater and had been awareded two bronze battle stars. Verne was of the Christian faith and had been a member of Elks Club #20 in West Peoria and the Ft. Myers Country Club. Funeral services for Verne will be held at noon, Friday, May 17, 2013 at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria with Pastor Jim Gorby officiating. Entombment will follow in Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the mausoleum. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Verne may be directed to Parkinson Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.