Larry Joe Emerick
Godfrey | Tuesday, March 18 2014

Larry Joe Emerick, 67, died at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born February 14, 1947 in Alton, he was the son of Andrew and Dora (LaPinta) Emerick. Mr. Emerick served in the U.S. Navy was a member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the Alton American Legion. He enjoyed fishing. In 2009 he participated in the Wheel Chair Olympic Games where he won a gold, silver, and bronze medal. On August 26, 1967 he married the former Mary Ann Hamilton. She survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Leann King (James) of House Springs, MO, a son, Joseph Emerick (Kim) of Bethalto, four grandchildren, Jacob Emerick of House Springs, MO, Abigail King of House Springs, MO, Alyssa Emerick and Leah Emerick both of Bethalto, one brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Emerick (Sharron) of Rosewood, IL, and one sister, Jean McGriffen of Dunedin, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Melvin Smith, and a brother-in-law, Jim McGriffen. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2014 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Gent Funeral Home