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Lieutenant Colonel, (ret.) Norman Emery, United States Army, 52, of Clinton, IL passed away in his home surrounded by family on June 4, 2020 at 2:43pm after a 3 ½ year battle with brain cancer. A memorial service will be held on June 15, 2020 at 11am at First Christian Church, Clinton, IL with Greg Taylor officiating. A graveside ceremony with military honors will be held immediately following at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL with Allison Hitchings officiating. In light of Covid19, specific measures will be taken for the protection of those in attendance. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL is in charge of arrangements.
Born October 3, 1967 in San Diego, CA , the son of Gerald Emery and Linda Ely, he grew up in Peoria, Il with Gerald and Patricia Emery, and his brother, Kevin Emery. He was active in sports and a variety of extracurricular activities. He maintained lifelong relationships with many of his classmates, especially those from Peoria High School.
Lt. Col. Emery graduated from Illinois State University in December 1989 with a BA in Russian Studies. He was commissioned in May 1989, completing the ISU ROTC program. He served in the Field Artillery, Military Intelligence, and Information Operations (IO) branches with duty at Schweinfurt, Germany; Fort Campbell, KY; Zagreb, Croatia; Monterey, CA; Fort Bragg, NC and Fort Belvoir, VA and served 39 months in Iraq and Afghanistan. He earned an MS in Defense Analysis from Naval Postgraduate School, completing his joint thesis on “Terrorist Use of Information Operations.” He was a decorated veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His badges and awards include Airborne, Air Assault, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
In 2008, Norman was reunited with his high school sweetheart, Rachel, of Clinton, IL. They were married that same year, and he became father to five children that he “loved as though he had been there from the beginning.” He retired from the Army in 2009, and in 2012 their daughter, Naomi, was born. He was proud to become “Papa” to Adeline Grace in 2019.
In his retirement years, Norman explored a variety of interests and professions including contracting as an information operations subject matter expert, landscaping, home inspection, substitute teaching, and finally as a corrections officer for DeWitt County Sherriff. He was dedicated to investing in his community and did so by serving on the board of directors of the Dewitt County Habitat for Humanity and The Vault Youth Center. He was a member of the local chapter of Amvets, and after his diagnosis with glioblastoma brain cancer, he contributed to the organization of the local Brain Tumor Nature Walk and Fundraiser for the National Brain Tumor Society. He was an active member of First Christian Church in Clinton and loved playing the bass in the worship band.
While he took great pride in his in his service to his country during his 24 year military career, Norman placed an even higher value on the kind of man he was known to be in the context of his personal relationships and in service to others. Above all, Norman was a man devoted to living his Christian faith, to loving his family and his friends well, and to seizing opportunities to make a positive difference in the world around him.
Norman is survived by his wife, Rachel Emery, Clinton, his children Hannah Emery, Clinton, Michaela Kitson (Devane Amalla), Clinton, Jason (McKenna) Kitson, Knightville, IN, Sarah Emery, Chicago, IL, Levi Kitson, and Naomi Emery, Clinton,IL. and his grandchildren Abdiel, Izra, and Adeline Grace Amalla. He is also survived by his parents, Gerald and Patricia Emery, East Peoria, IL, and Linda Ely, Clinton, Il, as well as his brother, Kevin (JoAnn) Emery, Metamora, IL, and his sister, LaVahn Tate, Granite City, IL, and he loved being an uncle to their children.
The family would appreciate memorial contributions be made to one of the following:
The Lieutenant Colonel Norman E. Emery Award and Scholarship Fund
PPS Foundation, 5901 N. Prospect Rd, Ste 14E, Peoria, IL 61614
The National Brain Tumor Society
Committed to finding a cure and improving the lives of all those affected by brain tumors.
www.braintumor.org
Inheritance of Hope
Inspiring hope in young families facing the loss of a parent by providing life-changing retreats and resources as well as ongoing spiritual, emotional, and financial support.
www.InheritanceOfHope.org
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