Columbus
Howard Empson, 91, of Columbus, passed from this life at 12:23 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.
Mr. Empson retired as a tool maker from Cummins Engine Company in 1988, where he had worked for 32 years.
He was an Air Force veteran stationed in London during the Korean War, serving from Jan. 5, 1951 to Dec. 10, 1953.
Howard was a member of New Hope Christian Church, Bartholomew County Landlord Association, Gideons International, St. John’s Masonic Lodge #20, Indianapolis Valley of Scottish Rite and Bartholomew County Shrine Club.
A woodworking enthusiast, Mr. Empson enjoyed making rocking chairs and lighthouses for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at New Hope Christian Church with David Empson officiating. Family and friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and from 1 p.m. to time of service Sunday at the church. Burial will be at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Empson family at barkesweaverglick.com.
Mr. Empson was born Feb. 1, 1926, on the family farm in Jackson County to Marion and Cora Mounts Empson.
He married Doreen Smith on Feb. 7, 1953, in Wimbledon, England.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years; children, Sharman (David) Willmore of Cincinnati and David (Sherree) Empson of Clayton, Indiana; grandchildren, Erin (Michael) Peters of Georgetown, Ohio, Laura (Randy) Diebel of Wentzville, Missouri, Jonathan (Erica) Willmore of New Lisbon, Indiana, Emily (Robert) Drayne of Kernersville, North Carolina, Jenny Empson of Clayton, Indiana, Stephan (Kathy) Empson of Seattle, Washington, Stacey (Ben) Hamm of Columbia City, Indiana, Christie (Eric) DeMarco of Fort Wayne, Indiana, David (Celine) Bain of Columbus, Shannon (Robbie) Dailey of Hope, Amanda (Matt) Dreyer of Camby, Indiana and Sara Empson of Seattle, Washington; 18 great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Josephine Brock and Dorothy Richards, both of Brownstown.
Mr. Empson was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Howard Neil Empson; his twin brother, Harold Empson; and a brother, Francis Empson.
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