Emery Platt

Emery Platt, age 85, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Monday, February 21, 2022, at Advent Health, Ottawa, Kansas.

He was born January 16, 1937, in Franklin County, Kansas, the son of Lonnie Joseph and Mary Ann (Setter) Platt.

Emery grew up on the family farm West of Richmond and attended school at the local one-room schoolhouse (Prairie View) until eighth grade when he left school to work the family farm after his father's illness. In 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and after successful completion of signal corps training at Fort Gordon, Augusta, Georgia, he received orders to report to the Far East Communications Command in Japan. He achieved the rank of Specialist Five (E-5). He enjoyed his time immersed in the Japanese culture. After fulfilling his active duty commitment and being honorably discharged he returned to Kansas. Emery married Patty Mader in 1961. They later divorced.

Emery worked in various jobs including construction of Osawatomie High School, International Harvester in Kansas City, farmhand at the Chandler farm, Ottawa Co-op, and the Richmond Co-op. During the early 1960s, Emery played baseball in a semi-pro baseball league which fueled his passion to coach and umpire both softball and baseball. He coached girls fastpitch softball for over 20 years in Garnett and Greeley. He also coached St. John's baseball for a few years.

Emery was a founder of the Kansas River Gang and over several decades, he and the gang performed hundreds of shows. He was also devoted to individually participating in Civil War reenactment events throughout the Midwest. One highlight was receiving a special invitation to attend the movie screening for "Ride With The Devil" and appear in historic Civil War apparel in Merriam, Kansas.

He loved spending time with his four grandchildren and continually remarked they were his treasures.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Mary Ann Platt; two brothers, Edward Platt and Gene Platt.

Emery is survived by his six children, Denise Pickett and husband JD of Irving, Texas; Douglas Platt and wife Terina of Princeton, Kansas; Steven Platt of Garnett, Kansas; Angela Place and husband Lewie of Garnett, Kansas; Jill Smethers and husband William of Lawrence, Kansas; Heather Bostwick and husband Ian of Oxford, Florida; four grandchildren, Bryce Smethers, Elise Platt, Savannah Platt and Alex Place; one sister, Mary Ann Hermann of Garnett, Kansas; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 A.M., on Friday, February 25, 2022, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, Garnett, Kansas, with inurnment following in the St. Patrick's Cemetery, Emerald. A Rosary will be said at 6:00 P.M., on Thursday evening, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett, with visitation following.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association.

You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .