Devere F. Emmons

Cadillac - Devere "Dee" F. Emmons, lifelong resident of Cadillac, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025 after a short illness.  He was 95.

Dee was born on September 12, 1929 to Francis C. and Anna A. (Peterson) Emmons.  On October 30, 1953 he entered into marriage with Beverly A. Elliott, who preceded him in death on April 10, 2017.  They had been married 63 years.  Dee proudly served in the US Army during the Korean conflict.  He was stationed in Germany and was discharged in December of 1952.  He was employed by Consumers Power company as a lead lineman for 35 years.

Dee had a wide variety of interests.  He was so proud of his vegetable garden which, he carefully tended right up until his death.  He was also interested in all sports and actively participated in many even into retirement.  He was a talented fast pitch softball pitcher, garnering the nickname “Hummer”.  He was also an accomplished bowler and had one perfect game.  He wore his 300 ring every day.  He also enjoyed hunting, and fondly remembered the days of deer camp and rabbit hunting with his dad and brothers.  He loved to golf and would play often with his son, Steve, and daughter, Linda.  When his sight failed, he still liked riding in the cart and playing a few holes.

Dee is survived by his children, Jeanine (Steve Johnson) Emmons, Denise (Tom) Evans, Malissa (Scott) Thompson, Linda Emmons, and Steven (Dawn) Emmons.  He has five grandchildren, Zachary Nimeth, Alayna (Mitchell) Pressel, Steven Matzen, Alex (Ashley) Thompson, and Taylor (Kayla) Thompson.  He also has seven great-grandchildren, Caleb, Ava, and Levi Matzen, Zayn and Elliott Pressel, and Teaghan and Riley Thompson. Also surviving is his brother-in-law, Ray Whaley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Donna and her husband Kenneth Whaley, Bonnie Whaley, Harold Emmons, Ray and his wife Lavonne Emmons, and Lyle and his wife June Emmons; and his in-laws, James “Mart” and Agatha Elliott, Bob and Karen Elliott, and Lester and Louise Bouwma.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 11am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, located at 800 W. 13th Street, Cadillac, MI, 49601.  The family will greet guests at St. Ann’s one hour prior to the Mass.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to CASA at PO Box 308, Cadillac, MI 49601 or the Cadillac Elks Lodge 680, P.O. Box 247, Cadillac, MI. 49601 or St. Ann’s Catholic Church

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com

The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.  

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