John Ervin Emrich

John Ervin Emrich was born July 19, 1911 to George and Nellie Anthony Emrich in a log cabin in Quinlin, Oklahoma. He departed this life of 94 years, 10 months, and 1 day early Wednesday evening, May 17, 2006 at Hilltop Lodge in Beloit, Kansas.

"Ervin" as he was known, lost his mother to typhoid fever when he was three years old. He moved to a farm near Longford, Kansas where he was raised by his grandparents. He graduated from Longford High School and attended the Cleveland Chiropractic College in Kansas City, Missouri. While in college, he worked as a miller for the Sunshine Biscuit Company in Kansas City, and after completing his training, he and a fellow classmate opened a practice in Argentine, Kansas. He worked in both capacities for awhile and chose to remain as a miller.

When World War II began, he gladly volunteered to serve in the United States Navy where he utilized his chiropractic training in his assignment as a nurse. After his discharge, he returned to work at the Sunshine Biscuit Company and made his home in Kansas City, Kansas.

He married Lucille Crawford and to this union was born one daughter Darlene. Lucille died in 1964, and he later married Bonnie Yadon and became the loving stepfather to her son Kenneth. She died in 1993.

Mr. Emrich was a very dynamic and people oriented person who made the most of what he had. Never one to gamble, he always went for the 'sure thing.' He was a great story teller, and loved recounting his experiences working as a ranch hand on the famous Robie Ranch in Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado after graduating from high school. He loved working in the garden, had his own vineyard, and also found time to relax in his favorite hunting and fishing spots.

He served as President of the Kansas Bee Keepers Association, and previously had served on the Oak Grove School District, and was a life member of the Kansas Chiropractic Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wives Lucille and Bonnie.

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his daughter Darlene Baker and husband Bob of Beloit, Kansas; his stepson Kenneth Yadon and wife Natalie of Canon City, Colorado; one brother Jim Emrich of Minneapolis, Kansas; sisters Pearl McMillan of St. Louis, Missouri, Dorotha Keim of Clay Center, Kansas, Arlene Smith of Perry, Kansas, Lorene Cecil and husband Charles of Aurora, Missouri; two grandchildren Todd Baker of Kansas City, Missouri, Hans Baker and wife Roseanna of Springfield, Missouri; four great grandchildren Louisa and Luke Baker, Madison and McKenzie Baker; and a host many relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be at
10:00 A.M. Monday, May 22, 2006 at the Porter Funeral Home, 18th & Minnesota,Kansas City, Kansas with Pastor Kirkland Smith officiating. Music will be provided bythe Kirkland Smith family. Casket Bearers will be
Bob Baker,Hans Baker,Todd Baker, Jerry Keim,Tim Smith, and Gary Thorne. Interment will be at
3:00 P.M. Monday, May 22, 2006 at the Union Cemetery in Centropolis, Kansas.

Friends may call at the McDonald Funeral Home in Beloit from 1:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Sunday.