Raymond Don Emde

Raymond Don Emde, 84, passed away on May 7, 2017. Don was born on October 18, 1932 in Bald Knob, Ark. to Raymond and Irene Shearer Emde. Don grew up in Bald Knob, Ark. and graduated from Bald Knob High School in 1951. After high school, he attended DeForist Training in Chicago, Ill., where he earned certification in electronics. Don married Barbara Thomas in January of 1953 in Bald Knob, Ark. They were married for 64 years. In that same year, he was drafted in the U.S. Army where he served in the Korean Conflict until 1955. Don and his wife, Barbara owned and operated Forbes Lumber Co. and Emde Apartments for the Elderly for 37 years. He was a licensed electrician, a licensed plumber and HVAC technician. Don served Bald Knob as mayor for eight years and on the City Council for eleven years. He enjoyed life whether he was working, fishing, restoring antique cars or hosting fish fries. Don was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Irene Emde and his daughter, Kimberly (Emde) Sutton. Don is survived by his wife, Barbara (Thomas) Emde and son-in-law, John Sutton. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 9, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, at the Powell Funeral Home in Bald Knob with Guerry Moorer officiating. Interment will follow in the Shady Grove Cemetery ~ Steward Addition. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.