Roger Ernest Emerson

Roger lived close to the "Little Store" that my Dad, Don Jones, owned and operated when we were all in grade school and junior high. My brother, Casey Jones, was a good friend of Roger's. Roger would come over to the store with 10 pennies and he would pick out candy (which was 1 c/a piece in those days). I have happy memories of joking with him as a young boy.

Dear Mr. Emerson; Neal and Family: My deepest sympathies to you. I always liked Roger and have many many fun memories of our time at Kingman High. I will never forget his wonderful laugh. Sincerely, Sharon Gastineau.

Roger always had fun-and was fun to be around. He enjoyed life-marcia you did a wonderful job with this writeup and tribute page-it's comforting to know he was with God till the end-my condolences to the family.

Roger had such a great impact on so many lives. In recent years I have had the opportunity to become reacquainted with Roger. Where else, but at the Kingman Country Club. The heart of where we did so many crazy things and laughed endlessly years ago. My last conversation with him was on #9 green. As usual, we laughed and reminisced. That particular evening he was telling "Lonnie" stories and hoping to be as active and feisty when he got to be that age. He taught me things about life and I will miss him.

Roger and I go way back to the early years of his coming to Faith Community. We hit it off from the beginning with our outlooks on life, and the lord. He was truly a dear friend and we shared many great memories together, whether it was just visiting at church, eating together, but the most fun we had was hanging out at Sam Houston Race track. It is really fitting that his memorial be the same weekend as the Kentucky Derby. Horse racing was one of his enjoyments and I can guarantee we would be at the track this weekend otherwise. But he is in a better place and can't wait to seem in Heaven in all his glory. Love ya Rog.

I have known Roger Emerson for most of my life. We met in our early elementary school years, perhaps first or second grade. We were in the same grade, and our houses were just a few blocks apart. We were good friends throughout junior and senior high school, and played together on the high school golf team. I have many great memories of Roger:
I remember how much my parents liked Roger. I'm sure this was because he was always so polite to them when he came over, and he always greeted and spoke to them wherever he might bump into them in town. Most teenagers were not that way, they tended to be shy and maybe even somewhat wary of adults, not Roger.
I remember his wonderful, distinctive laugh. I can hear it now.
I remember his old, copper colored car that he drove with, let us say, reckless abandon. I recall it was frequently "out of service" for repairs.
I recall playing a practice round with Roger at Kingman Country Club during our golf team days. We were on the fifth hole, and after hitting two great shots, Roger missed a 3 foot birdie putt. Roger screamed a curse and snapped his putter across his knee (he was having a bad day with the putter). All of us playing with Roger were doubled up with laughter at his reaction. The coach, however, was not amused and Roger was suspended from that week's tournament.
I also remember Roger shooting a career round at the Chisholm Trail League Tournament in Augusta (Kansas not Georgia). Roger walked away with top 3 individual honors.
I remember Roger taking the train all the way from Houston, Texas to attend my wedding in Medicine Lodge, Ks in 1980.
I have many great memories of Roger. He had many great qualities, his enthusiasm, his optimism, but I think the thing that really stands out is the Loyalty of his Friendship.
It's been many years since I've seen Roger, but I did have the opportunity to speak with him by phone a few times after he received his terminal diagnosis. Roger's concerns, as you might expect, were not with himself, but with the family he would soon leave behind. Roger was a giving, sharing person, thinking of others, to the end.
I'll never forget Roger. He'll always be an example of what a friend should be.

Dear Emerson family,
We have been your neighbors for years and are saddened by your loss. But there is joy in knowing that he is not in amymore pain and he is home with his Lord. He would always stop and talk to us outside, and we would run run into him and the children at nearby Farm and Ranch Events. I thought it was great that he took them to so many different events. He loved his dogs just like I do. I will think of him today when I watch the Kentucky Derby. We will keep you all in our prayers.

[Jennifer sent this letter to Roger, but he died before he could read it.]

Roger,

I wanted to write to you to you to tell you that you made a mark on my life. The mark of a man in my opinion is his ability to touch the lives of others through love and grace.

When I was a little girl growing up in Yorkshire, I always loved to spend time outside. I can remember countless days when I was in the yard, climbing trees, playing tag or hid and seek, swimming in the bckyard, and generally enjoying the outdoors and the company of others.

Whever I ran into you, you would take an interest in my. You would stop your work, and take time to talk to me. You never considered a conversation with a child a burden or a bother, but rather as an opportunity to show kindness and to guide a young person. Thank you for teaching me the importance of putting aside one's own work in order to spend time with others and to demonstrae care and concern.

Sometimes, you would observe that our play was getting out of hand or that we might be putting ourselves in harm's way. You never pretended not to see, but rather felt that it was only right to let us know that we needed to be careful and to respect one another. You showed me that every human being has a responsibility to care for and to protect others, if they are able. You reaized that every adult in a child's life can have an impact and should help them to make wise choices. Thank you for teaching me to have the courage to speak up when I am concerned abut the well being of others.

As I grew older, my time outdoors playing diminished, but I still appreciated our conversations with one another. Your ever-present smile and positive attitude towards life made an impression on me. Regardless of circumstances, your gratitude shined through. In addition, your commitment to your children taught me much about parenthood and provided a powerful model to me.

It meant a great deal to me that you came to my wedding and helped me to celebrate. I wanted you there, because you had witnessed my growth and maturing through the years. Not only witnessed, but you made a mark on me.

In recent years, I have loved our summers in Houston. It has been meaningful to see you stop and take time to know my children, just like you always did with me. Life has come full circle, and I wanted you to know that you have left your mark through the generations. Thank you for being love in action.

May God grant you His peace that surpasses all understanding, as you spend time with family and friends.

Love, Jen

Dear Emerson Family,
Stan and I were saddened to hear of the loss of your dear father, brother and son. I first met Roger when I was a Freshman at Kingman High School, when he was a Senior. I met him through his good friend, Sam Vanlandingham. I then found out that he was a close nieghbor,as well, and Neal also became a friend. Roger was always so much fun, always laughing when I was around him. I remember riding with him in his car on many occasions, and sometimes wondering if we would get to where we were going in one piece, but we always did. My friends and I always had a blast whenever we were out and about with Roger. I have thought him many times over the last 30 years, but had not had the pleasure of seeing him since I graduated from KHS in 1975. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, his family, at this time. My rememberances of Roger are all great ones. With sympathy, Deb and Stan Goetz

Roger was a close friend of ours throughout the years. Somehow he always managed to find us no matter how many times we've moved. Roger took me to my first Eagles concert and introduced me to Willie Nelson. He was a loyal and faithful friend -- always! We will miss him immensely and will cherish our memories: his laughter, his smile, his brilliant way with eggs, and his devotion to his family.

I shall truly miss my best friend Roger Emerson. I grew up across the street from Roger and his brother Neal in a neighborhood full of boys. The numerious adventures and times I had with Roger are priceless memories that I have and always will cherich. I will miss his laugh, his quick smile and his friendship. I find it hard to belive he's gone - I always thought he was indestructible. I wish I could have sat with him one last time remembering the good times telling the stories and laughing the night away. The times spent with Roger were a part of the best years of my life. I will miss you my friend.

To Marcia and her family,My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you.Please take comfort knowing he is in a better place now and feeling no pain and suffering.Please take care and know that people care and are thinking of you and your family.