Roger J. Emmert, former sheriff of Gibson County, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2015.

Roger was born on November 23, 1922, to the late Peter and Elnora (Schaefer) Emmert, the fifth of ten children.

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-eight years, Velcia (Lutz) Emmert; infant daughter Mary Martha; sisters Mary Rose Hunter, Sr. Mercedes, O.S.B, and Ruth Lee Reitman; and brothers Paul, John, Bernie, and infant Charles.

Roger is survived by his six children: Joan O. Conyers, Trabuco Canyon, CA, Stephen F. Emmert (Janet), Indianapolis, IN, Patricia E. Wise (Garry),  Lexington, KY, Susan M.  Barnes, Tulsa, OK, Pamela R.  Mayes, Murfreesboro, TN, and Gregory J. Emmert, Haubstadt, IN. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Michael, Christin, Matthew, Michele, Laura, Tara, Brian, Laila, and Jared; twelve great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert (Bonnie) Emmert, Ferdinand, IN, and one sister, Sr. Emily Emmert, O.S.B., Indianapolis, IN, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

Roger served honorably as a radio operator in the army air corps during World War II, earning five battle stars in Europe. A devout Catholic, Roger was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Haubstadt. He initially worked as a plumber and roofer for his father-in-law at Lutz Brothers and was later elected sheriff of Gibson County in 1963, serving proudly in the department until his retirement in 1987. Roger was elected President of the Indiana Sheriff's Association in 1979 and was a lifetime member of the National and Indiana Sheriff's Associations. Upon retiring, he continued his service as a part-time bailiff from 1988-2000.

As a young athlete, Roger played baseball and basketball at his cherished Haubstadt High, and after graduating, he continued playing baseball for the Princeton American Legion team and the Ditney Hill Miners. His love of sports led to officiating Indiana basketball and baseball from 1941-1982, and he was proud to officiate the state finals in both sports. Roger was a lifetime Chicago Cubs fan, taking in many games at Wrigley Field and other parks with his wife and son Greg, and even attending Cubs conventions to meet former and current players. Unfortunately, he never got to see his beloved "Cubbies" win the World Series.
Roger's accomplishments were varied and numerous. He served with the Haubstadt Fire Department from 1946-1963. His lifetime membership of the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degrees began in 1946, where he served in many offices and was elected Grand Knight. He was also a lifetime member of American Legion Post 194, serving in the finance office, and the Ft. Branch and Princeton VFW posts. He was a Gibson County councilman from 1949-1962. In 1970, he began his long service on the Salvation Army advisory board, and he volunteered for the United Way for many years. Roger was especially proud of helping organize the Haubstadt Little League in 1957 and the Gibson Southern Booster Club in 1975, serving as president three times. 

Roger was the epitome of a community servant, living out his faith through his generous actions. He was a devoted and loving husband and father and a doting grandfather. His outgoing personality and sense of humor made him easy to love, and he knew no strangers. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but he is rejoicing in Heaven with his wife, parents, siblings, and loved ones.

The family would like to thank all of Roger's recent caregivers; we deeply appreciate their kindness and support.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, at the Haubstadt High School gymnasium located at Gibson and West Sts. A  Knights of Columbus Rosary service will begin at 12:30 PM.  Visitation will also be held from 10:00 am until Mass time Monday, Sept. 28 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. 

A Mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, September 28th at 11:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with burial following in the church cemetery with military rites.

Wade Funeral Home in Haubstadt is handling the arrangements.