Carl D. Emberton, 67, of Lexington, died at 10:54 a.m. on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Chenoa.
Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington. The Rev. Dr. Randall K. Perry will officiate. Interment will follow services at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Lexington. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to www.woundedwarriorproject.orgor Alzheimer’s Association http://www.alz.org/.
Shad and Niki would appreciate any special stories, thoughts or memories to help remember their dad. This may be done online throughwww.carmodyflynn.com or notecards will be available at the service.
He was born April 25, 1947 in Tipton County, IN, son of Wylie and Amanda Emberton. He married Anita Patton in 1969 in Lexington.
Surviving are his children, Shad (Sara) Emberton and Niki (Jason) Thomas, both of Lexington; four grandchildren, Corrin and Tyler Emberton and Cal and Josie Thomas, all of Lexington. Also surviving are one sister, Sue Johnson of Lehigh Acres, FL; two brothers, Bob (Zelma) Emberton of Stanford and Joe (Jill) Emberton of Lehigh Acres, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Martha Turner and Maxine Davis and five brothers, Boyd, Stanley, Clarence Jr, Floyd and Elvan Emberton.
Carl was a United States Vietnam Army Veteran, where he obtained the rank of Specialist 4, Engineer.
Upon returning from overseas Carl did construction and worked on the Watterson Towers residence Hall on the campus of Illinois State University. He then worked at Johnny Martin Chevrolet as a mechanic where he built a special friendship with Sammy Powell who always tried to keep Carl out of trouble. He was also a heavy equipment operator with Local 649 where he built stretches of Interstate 55.
Carl was then employed as a grounds maintenance worker for Illinois State University in Normal for over 20 years. Never one to be idle, he spent his retirement doing a tree service business in the local and surrounding area.
Carl wore a “hard-outer shell” but will be remembered by all who knew him as a good-hearted, generous and loving man. He loved to tinker in his shop and many friends would often call upon Carl for help with mechanics and fixing things from his home. When Carl was not outdoors or helping friends, his family knew to look for him with his grandchildren, whom brought him much joy.
A special thank you to Carl’s sister, Sue, who took care of her ‘baby brother’ for over 2 years during the progression of his Alzheimer’s. She gave Carl love, laughter and health. This selfless gift was not just for Carl, as it gave Shad and Niki comfort to know their dad was receiving such good care from someone who loves him so much.