Donald Galen Emerick, 99, of Hoxie, Kansas died December 30, 2025, at Amber Med Long Term Care in Hoxie.
Don was born August 28, 1926, on a farm near Hamburg, Illinois, to George Louis and Louise Marie (Heil) Emerick. In 1944, Don graduated from Griggsville High School, Griggsville, Illinois. World War II was raging and knowing he would be drafted, Don enlisted in the US Army and was sent to the island of Luzon in the Philippines where he became a driver for an amphibious truck (duk) company. When the war ended in 1945, he was assigned to the American Occupation Forces in Japan until December 1946.
In the spring of 1947, Don came to Kansas to work in the wheat harvest. In Quinter, Kansas he met Dolores Roberta Sanders and after a two-year courtship, they married September 19, 1949, at Sacred Heart Church, Park, Kansas. To their union were born four children: Diana Jane, David Lee, Darlene, and Douglas Shane.
After attending Stevens Automotive School in Kansas City, Missouri, Don began a career as an automotive mechanic. In 1963, Don opened his own business, Don’s Alinement, in Hoxie, which he owned and operated until 1989 when he sold his business to his son, Dave. In the 1970s, Don also started Emerick Motorhome Service.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Ducks, geese, pheasants, elk, deer, mountain lions, turkey – he hunted them all! His successful racoon hunting led to him being nicknamed “Coonie,” and his passion was Walleye fishing. Don continued hunting and fishing through his 97th year.
Don and Dolores traveled all over the United States and Mexico in their motorhome. From the Florida Keys to Niagra Falls to Disneyland in California, they enjoyed the RV life.
After Dolores passed away in 2015, Don enjoyed the companionship of a special friend, Myrna Prewett of Beloit, KS.
He entered the Amber Med Long Term Care in Hoxie, KS in September 2025, and resided there at the time of his death.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; his parents; his brother Roger Emerick, and his sister Joyce Emerick Maffin.
Don is survived by his four children: Diana Emerick, Colby, KS; David (Joanne) Emerick, Hoxie, KS; Darlene Emerick, Bailey, CO, and Doug (Stacy) Emerick, Plainville, KS; and two grandchildren: Tanner Emerick, Mt. Hope, KS; Jasmine Emerick, Fort Collins, CO.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Hoxie, Kansas. Visitation will be held at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, January 2, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM will family receiving friends from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. The Vigil and Rosary Service will immediately follow Visitation at 7:00 P.M.
Memorial are suggested to the St. Frances Cabrini Cemetery, Sheridan County Benefit Walk, or Masses. Memorials may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. Posted.