Donald Galen Emerick

Donald Galen Emerick, 99, of Hoxie, passed away on December 30, 2025, at Amber Med Long Term Care in Hoxie.

Don was born August 28, 1926, on a farm near Hamburg, Illinois, to George Louis and Louise Marie (Heil) Emerick. In 1944, Don graduated from Griggsville High School, Griggsville, Illinois. World War II was raging, and knowing he would be drafted, Don enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to the island of Luzon in the Philippines, where he became a driver for an amphibious truck (duk) company. When the war ended in 1945, he was assigned to the American Occupation Forces in Japan until December 1946.

In the spring of 1947, Don came to Kansas to work in the wheat harvest. In Quinter, Kansas, he met Dolores Roberta Sanders, and after a two-year courtship, they married on September 19, 1949, at

Sacred Heart Church, Park, Kansas. To their union were born four children: Diana Jane, David Lee, Darlene, and Douglas Shane.

After attending Stevens Automotive School in Kansas City, Missouri, Don began a career as an automotive mechanic. In 1963, Don opened his own business, Don’s Alignment, in Hoxie, which he owned and operated until 1989, when he sold his business to his son, Dave. In the 1970s, Don also started Emerick Motorhome Service.

After Dolores passed away in 2015, Don enjoyed the companionship of a special friend, Myrna Prewett of Beloit.

He entered the Amber Med Long Term Care in Hoxie in September 2025 and resided there at the time of his death.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; his parents; his brother, Roger Emerick; and his sister, Joyce Emerick Maffin.

He is survived by his four children: Diana Emerick, Colby, David (Joanne) Emerick, Hoxie, Darlene Emerick, Bailey, Colo., and Doug (Stacy) Emerick, Plainville; and two grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Hoxie. A Vigil and Rosary Service was held immediately follow the visitation.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Frances Cabrini Cemetery, Sheridan County Benefit Walk, or Masses and may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.