Emmett Witherspoon

Emmett Witherspoon, age 94, of Darfur, died on October 27, 2011 at a local nursing home in Windom, MN. Memorial services will be 11am, Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Madelia with Rev. Debbie King Quale officiating. Masonic Rites will be provided by the St. James Masonic Lodge. Emmett Leon (Leo) Witherspoon was born August 13, 1917 at Stillwell, Kansas, the son of Albert and Beulah (Hockinsmith) Witherspoon. He graduated from Bucyrus Rural High School, Bucyrus, Kansas in 1939 and worked as a farm laborer. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Corps, August 20, 1940 served as a mechanic and was honorable discharged October 10, 1946. He was united in marriage to Vera V. Armstead May 16, 1942 at the Madelia United Methodist Church. They bought a farm in Adrain Township in February 1946. Moved to Darfur, Minnesota in November 1964. He worked as a mechanic until July 1987 when he retired. Emmett enjoyed gardening, fishing, reading, wintering in Arizona and growing apples. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Madelia, American Legion of Darfur, V.F.W. of St. James and the Masonic Lodge - Libanus Lodge #96 of St. James. He is survived by his daughter Deanna Witherspoon of Windom, sisters Betty Short of Youngstown, Ohio, Joan Murphy of Hutchinson, KS, and 13 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Vera in June 2010, parents, brothers Robert L. Witherspoon of Salem, OR, Marvin L. Witherspoon of Topeka, KS, sisters Mildred Luedke of Arleta, CA, Doris Jeffery of Sun City West, AZ, Ola Rose Beucler of Laverne, CA, a niece and a nephew.