Alan Henry Emerson

Alan H. Emerson, 68, of Owensboro, died Friday, September 28, 2012 at Owensboro Medical Health System after a heroic fight against Multiple Sclerosis. With the indispensable help of his devoted and loving wife of 43 years, Joy Beth, Alan battled MS for 43 years. From the beginning, Alan's family knew that regardless of the odds, he would never quit fighting. He didn't. Despite some very difficult times, Alan remained an exemplary husband, father and true friend to all those who were privileged to know him.

On September 21, 2012, Alan became the proud grandfather of Jane Kathryn, daughter of his son, Alan Davis Emerson and his wife, Sarah. It was Joy Beth's prayer that Alan would live long enough to see his granddaughter. He did.

Alan, who excelled in baseball, was an outstanding three sport athlete at Owensboro High School, graduating in 1961. He was a key member of the 1958 Babe Ruth All Star team that participated in the Babe Ruth World Series in Vancouver, British Columbia. Ernie Knight, who coached youth baseball
leagues for more than fifty years, once said that, for pure potential, Alan ranked top of his list. In 1963, Alan was honored by the national American Legion for being the only player ever to play on four American Legion state championship teams (1959-1962). Jack Hicks, Alan's high school and American Legion baseball coach, believes that this is still a record today. Alan was an inspiration to not just his teammates, but also to all who saw the tremendous courage and grace with which he fought a very tough battle.

Alan attended Indiana University and Kentucky Wesleyan College before joining the Army in 1967. While in the Army, Alan attended Officer's Candidate School and earned the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Alan then entered flight school at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Later, while at Ft. Rucker, he was honorably discharged from the Army because of his medical disability, Multiple Sclerosis.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford Davis Emerson and Eva Irene Robertson Emerson and his sister, Alice Estes.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Joy Beth Emerson; son, Alan Emerson and his wife Sarah; granddaughter, Jane Kathryn Emerson all of Henderson; brothers, David Emerson and his wife Mary Ruth, Charles Emerson and his wife Jody all of Owensboro; and a sister, Verna Lovan and her husband Jim of Bowling Green.

Services will be 2 p.m. on Tuesday in the chapel of Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday and after 12 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Owensboro Memorial Gardens.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund or Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.glennfuneralhome.com.