Kenneth C. Emery

Lt. Col. (Ret., USAF) Kenneth C. Emery, passed away on September 17, 2024. Ken was born on May 7, 1947, to Helen and Kenneth (K.C.) Emery in Palmdale, CA, and grew up in Lancaster, CA. He married Dana Mehrle on June 21, 1970.

Ken’s life was filled with learning and service. As a youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts and DeMolay. After high school, he attended Antelope Valley Junior College, where he focused his studies in journalism and was student body president. He then attended the University of Southern California, where he began a life-long love of Trojan sports and earned a bachelor’s degree in Radio and Television Production. Later in life he earned master’s degrees in management and in Public Administration.

Ken was commissioned and began a 22-year service in the United States Air Force as an audio/visual officer. In addition to stateside tours of duty, he was stationed in Thailand, Honduras, and Germany. He was responsible for audio/visual documentation of Air Force activities worldwide, such as wartime combat, training exercises, and many humanitarian efforts.

After settling in O’Fallon, IL, Ken began an active life of service to his community. He was active in the O’Fallon First United Methodist Church, served as a Stephen’s Minister Leader, led Bible studies and small groups, and was a mentor for confirmation candidates. He attended Eden Seminary in St Louis and was ordained as a deacon in the United Methodist Church. Ken was also active in service to the community. He served as a board member of the O’Fallon, IL chapter of Habitat for Humanity for 9 years, and he was most pleased with the wonderful support from the local community that enabled the success of this program.

Ken loved sports and played in local sport leagues over the years. He was an avid fan of the LA Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed traveling, camping, and was a constant reader who loved books of all kinds.

Ken is survived by his wife, Dana; daughter, Julie (John) Bauer; and son Kevin (Heather) Emery, along with six grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Patricia Duhart and Judith Hays, as well as several nieces and nephews. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Helen, and his brother, Harry Eugene Herschlag.

A memorial service will be held on September 28, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the O’Fallon Methodist Church at 504 E. Highway 50, O’Fallon, IL. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the O’Fallon Area Habitat for Humanity. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 93, O’Fallon, IL, 62269 or online at ofallonhabitat.org.