Kenneth Leon Emery

Kenneth Leon Emery, 87, Deerfield, Mo., passed away on Friday, March 19, 2021, at his home. Leon was born to Kenneth L. and Nettie Lee (Carpenter) Emery on Jan. 14, 1934, in Deerfield.

Leon attended school in Deerfield and graduated from Nevada High School with the Class of 1951. He then attended Fort Scott Junior College, where he played football, graduating in 1953. Leon married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lou (Saathoff) on June 20, 1954. They moved to the farm in Deerfield in the spring of 1958 where he has spent his entire life.

Beginning in 1954, Leon began working with his parents and brother in the LP gas business, a job he worked at all of his life. They added the heat and air business later and expanded the propane business. The family sold “Emery and Sons Propane” in 2000. He built Emery’s Truck Stop in 1989.

In 1964, Leon and Jim Lawrence negotiated with the Postal Department to build the Post Office, Community Room, and the Fire Department Building. Leon was Fire Chief for many years.

Leon was a member of the B.P.O. No. 564 Elks in Nevada for 66 years. He was exalted ruler in 1967, and district deputy in 1969. Leon was a member of the Richards Masonic Lodge where he had received his 65-year pin, and also the Scottish Rite Temple of Fort Scott, Kan.

Leon always enjoyed his annual elk hunting trips to Colorado with his grandson David and his good friends Johnny Brooks and Wally Thompson.

He also loved duck hunting with his good friend BG Wolfe.

Leon took pride in his pecan groves and grafted many trees over the years.

In addition to his wife, Betty, survivors include one son, Mike Emery, Deerfield, and one daughter, Kenna Clements, Deerfield; grandchildren, Aubrey Elkinton (Dusty), Moundville, David Klumpp (Joni), Deerfield, Jenny Emery, Fort Scott, Aaron Emery, Fort Scott; five great-grandchildren, Halley Elkinton, Talya Elkinton, Caden Klumpp, Ryden Elkinton, and Sam Klumpp; one sister, Mona McDowell, Nevada; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dee Emery; and a son-in-law, Larry Clements.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 25, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with Pastor Bill Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Deerfield Cemetery in Deerfield. Masonic Rites will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home with visitation following until 8 p.m.

Memorials are suggested in his memory to Regional Hospice-Joplin or the Parkinson Foundation in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

Those in attendance will be asked to maintain social distancing and are asked to wear face masks to protect themselves and others.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.