COLUMBUS
Howard Empson, 91, of Columbus, passed from this life Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.
Born Feb. 1, 1926, on the family farm in Jackson County, he was the son of Marion and Cora Mounts Empson. On Feb. 7, 1953, in Wimbledon, England, he married Doreen Smith. She survives.
Mr. Empson retired as a toolmaker for Cummins Engine Co., where he had worked for 32 years, in 1988.
He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, stationed in London during the Korean War. He served from Jan. 5, 1951, to Dec. 10, 1953. He was a member of New Hope Christian Church, Bartholomew County Landlord Association, Gideons International, St. John’s Masonic Lodge 20, Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite and Bartholomew County Shrine Club.
A woodworking enthusiast, he enjoyed making rocking chairs and lighthouses for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Other survivors besides his wife of 64 years include children, Sharman (David) Willmore of Cincinnati and David (Sherree) Empson of Clayton; grandchildren, Erin (Michael) Peters of Georgetown, Ohio, Laura (Randy) Diebel of Wentzville, Missouri, Jonathan (Erica) Willmore of New Lisbon, Emily (Robert) Drayne of Kernersville, North Carolina, Jenny Empson of Clayton, Stephan (Kathy) Empson of Seattle, Washington, Stacey (Ben) Hamm of Columbia City, Christie (Eric) DeMarco of Fort Wayne, David (Celine) Bain of Columbus, Shannon (Robbie) Dailey of Hope, Amanda (Matt) Dreyer of Camby and Sara Empson of Seattle, Washington; 18 great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Josephine Brock and Dorothy Richards, both of Brownstown.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Howard Neil Empson; his twin brother, Harold Empson; and a brother, Francis Empson.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at New Hope Christian Church, with David Empson officiating. Burial will be at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. today at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home in Columbus and from 1 p.m. until time of service Sunday at the church.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.