Robert Forrest Gene Emme

Robert Forrest Gene Emme, 70 years old passed away peacefully in his daughter’s care in Portage, MI after a long six year battle with cancer! 

He joined the Marines at seventeen to serve from 1971-1975, where he got his GED as well, he then went home to St. Helens, OR to only reenlist a year later stating that the Army had a better family life he served from 1976-1992 his first choice was always the Marines which is what he was always a Marine at heart.

After retiring from the military he became a truck driver delivering food and frozen foods across our country, he went from serving his country to serving communities across our nation , a true patriot, he believed in and followed our constitution personally and professionally the oath he took was for life, adapt and over come. he’d say, never quit, and his famous line was stay in control and maintain! 

His Birth parents were David Emme and Annie Medlock he was born in Portland, Oregon, October 28, 1954. Step Parents Norman E. Parsons WWII veteran of the Army and wife Flora, my grandpa was the only father he knew, he once quoted “his dad was the best, smartest and wisest man he had ever known” and I agree the love he had and compassion for us all, was deeper than any words could express that came from his writings to painting pictures, comics or drawings. My daddy believed memories were better than any camera as they could never be taken from you! 

He is survived by his daughter Tricia Michelle Emme and two daughters and son-in-law Jeffrey Scott Hughes, a deceased son Robert Norman Emme, and one daughter, a grandfather to three and great grandfather to three. Also by two sisters and two brothers that loved him deeply, between the four they have ten children and he’s not just an Uncle, to ten but a great uncle to fifteen nieces and seven nephews and a great great uncle also to two nephews. His lifelong best friend and wife, a godfather to one of their grandchildren. 

To all His trucking friends and trucker family God bless them all, for their thoughts and prayers as they said I quote, “Keep driving it forward Bob we’re all following you!” And one if I may, “Every destination reached is a testament to your unwavering spirit”. 

In accordance with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and Military Honors will be held at Ft.Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek, MI on Friday April 11, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., with Chaplin Ken Hovenkamp officiating. Please arrive 15 minutes early to follow the procession to the committal shelter. 

If you’d like to buy a tree or plant in his honor please use Seeds of Life, your purchase will be added to my property as it was my daddy’s home as well, he loved nature and I can’t imagine a better way to honor him.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Robert’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Emme family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.