Born in Twelve Mile on Independence Day in  1923, Emerson Wayne Enyart was a treasured son of   Earl A. and Ursa Filby Enyart. He was the fourth oldest child of the  eight Enyart children. Growing up he shared his childhood with three sisters and four brothers.  As a pre-teen, Emerson  endured and persevered through the "Great Depression of 1929."  It was during his formative years that he developed a solid work ethic of grit and determination.   Emerson graduated from Rochester High School in 1941.

A member of the "Greatest Generation," Emerson answered the call serve our country with the United States Army during World War II.  He entered the service on November 22 , 1943 and was honorably discharged on April 9 , 1946,  achieving the rank of Sergeant.  During his stint of service he performed as a Marine engineer and was a qualified rifle sharpshooter.  He also was a member of many search and rescue missions from on board the PT boat. His decorations included the American Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal and World War II Medal. President Harry Truman authored a letter of appreciation for his his "fortitude, resourcefulness and calm judgement and stated the Sgt Emerson would be looked to for his leadership and example," as he returned home and further exalting our country in peace.

A man of diverse interests, in the early years,  Emerson captained the tour boat cruising the sparkling waters of Lake Manitou.  He also provided our community with  Deer Park & Zoo located in the northeast quadrant of town. It was here that visitors could see many deer, exotic birds, horses, llamas, monkeys and bears.  Children could ride the kiddie train around the park.

From  the middle 1940's until about 1979, Emerson owned and operated the full service Nash-Rambler American Motors located on  East 4th Street. Very talented and gifted with his hands, he served as engine mechanic, gloved so he could shed the gloves and run up front to greet  customers interested in purchasing a new car.

On September 27 , 1970, Emerson and Barbara Jean Eskridge were married  in Rochester. They have shared 49 years of life's adventures. A dynamic couple, they collaborated,  transitioning to a new frontier,  opening the Enyart Discount Store on south Main Street in 1975.  Three years later, in 1978 their hometown hardware store became known as Enyart's True Value.

Emerson witnessed and was a part of a great evolution of change in the retail hardware industry.  He was a man on the cutting edge, with a vision for the future embracing success with strategic planning,  unparalleled customer service and hard work!  The business has prevailed and offers the customers supplies from electric, plumbing, paint and a variety of  home improvement projects.  Emerson and his team were there to make suggestions on the most effective methods of completing projects.   Revered and loved by his customers, with a  professional demeanor,  he greeted everyone with a radiant smile and was ready to share his knowledge and willing to assist them answering questions they asked.  If the item of need wasn't in stock, Emerson saw that it was there on the next truck in a few short days. This quiet pillar of our community will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Left to cherish  Emerson's memory are  his wife, Barbara; six children: Sherry Ann Wisler of Elkhart, Linda Rasnick of Camby, Cathy Enyart – Prewitt of Copley, Ohio, Gary William Enyart and wife Gina, Janet Daake and companion Trent Powell, Keith Eskridge and wife Misty all of Rochester; grandchildren:  Angelique Wisler, Megan Martin and husband Bradley, Jocelyn Rasnick, Gretchen Rasnick, Margot Beesley and husband Bob, Lisa Rupple and husband Tim, Adam Wayne Enyart and wife Amber, Audrey A. Enyart, Gracie Daake, Isaac Michael "Zak"  Daake, Abigail Powell, Ivy Powell, Mitchell Powell, David Eskridge, Jennifer Oliver, Larry Green;  numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Norma Jean Becker and husband Dale; brother, Carl Enyart and wife Pat; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Emerson in death are his parents Earl and Ursa Enyart;  son, Michael Eskridge;  two sisters: Evelyn Williams and Eileen Simpson; three Enyart brothers: Wilson, Kenneth, Raymond; and a special niece, June Howe.

A celebration of the life of Mr. Emerson W. Enyart will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 25 , 2019 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester.  Pastor Don Meyer will officiate.   Friends may visit with Emerson's family from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, Tuesday and an hour prior to his services.  The Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and United States Army  Honors Team will accord military graveside rites.  Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the donor's choice.