PERRY J. EMBRY

EMBRY

Perry J. Embry, 81, Lamar, Mo., passed away Saturday, June 24, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family, following a lengthy illness.

Perry, one of five children, was born Jan. 9, 1931, in Fairview, Mo., to Luther and Hazel (McCartney) Embry. He married Rita Shanklin, Feb. 2, 1950.

Perry owned and operated a service station and garage at Independence Corner near Jericho Springs and a dairy farm. Later, he went to work for Lawnboy, Lamar, and then he was the plant supervisor at Thorco Industries. Perry then worked for Castlegate Doors in Pittsburg, Kan., until his retirement in 1992. Throughout the years, he kept his hand in farming.

Perry was a member of the First Christian Church Lamar and leaves a legacy of hard work and a love of serving Christ.

He always said, "If you don't have family, you don't have anything." Perry found that the following saying sums it all up: "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day -- unseen, unheard, but always near -- still loved, still missed and very dear."

Perry is survived by his wife, Rita: one son, Luther John Embry, Fort Scott; one daughter, Barbara Lee Embry and Tom York, Carthage, Mo.; dauther-in-law Alice Embry Lord, Springfield, Mo.; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He is preceded by his parents, three brothers, one sister and one son, Gary Wayne Embry, who passed away in 1986.