GeorgeW. Emmel, age 82, of Colon, passed away Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at his home. George was born, July 6, 1932, in Branch County, a son of the late Lewis andMabel (Slagle) Emmel. He had made his home in the Colon area most of his life and had attended Colon schools. George had also served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. On June 4, 1960, he married Sharon E. Frisbie in Sturgis. George had worked for Frisbie Brothers Farms, Colon PublicWorks, Drumhiller Construction, Wells and Emmel Butchering, St. Joseph County Road Commission and also had farmed.
He was a former member of the Colon Sooner Club, J.C’S., Colon Volunteer Fire Department, was a member of Colon American Legion, had been a 4-H leader for the Colon Eveready Club, a member of the Burr Oak Grange, Pamona Grange andMichigan State Grange.
He is survived by his wife Sharon E. Emmel of Colon; four daughters, Rhonda (Gary) Leverence of Fulton, Deborah (Kenneth) Buntin of Decatur, Cynthia (Brad) Prescott of Oscoda, Teressa Emmel and special friend David Yeoman of Mendon; eight grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and two sisters.
He was preceded in death by five brothers.
There will be no visitation. A memorial service celebrating the life of GeorgeW. Emmel will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon, withMr. David J. Farrell officiating. If desired, the family suggests memorials be made in memory of George to the Colon Fire and Rescue. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.