David Ray Emerson, 86, of Owensboro, KY, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, under the care of Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky. He was born August 15, 1939, in Evansville, IN to the late Clifford and Eva Robertson Emerson. David was a graduate of Owensboro Senior High School and served in the Army during the Vietnam War.
During his youth he lived in Nashville, TN where he often caught the bus on the steps of the Ryman Auditorium, creating memories that he would fondly share throughout his life. Through every season he proudly cheered for the Chicago Bears and faithfully followed the New York Yankees. The dedication he showed to his favorite teams reflected the qualities he brought to his life; loyalty, perseverance, and unwavering support for the people he cared about.
David was married to Mary Ruth Beane Emerson for nearly 63 years before she passed away in 2022. They met at a church camp at Murray State in 1955, became engaged in 1957, and married in 1959.
Along with Mary Ruth and his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Eric Dean Emerson; a brother, Alan Henry Emerson, and a sister, Alice Ann Estes.
Other survivors include a daughter, Jean Sexton and husband Greg, granddaughter, Courtney (John Michael Adams), three great grandchildren, Trevor Jackson, Mackenzie Paige, and John Maddox; daughter, Lisa Wetzel and husband David, granddaughter, Krista (Harry), three great grandchildren, Kennedy, Kayla, and Cash, and grandson, Ryan (Megan), and two great grandchildren, Miller and Micah.
Additional family includes a brother, Charles (Jody) Emerson, and sister Verna Lovan; brother in-law, Don Estes, and a sister in-law Joy Beth Emerson.
Though he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort knowing that his life was one well-lived and well-loved.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 9 at 12:00 p.m. at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, with the visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. on the same date. A private family burial will take place with full military honors immediately following the service at Owensboro Memorial Gardens.
Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to First Christian Church, 700 J. R. Miller Blvd., Owensboro, KY 42303 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.
Memories and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.