Funeral Mass for LTC (Retired) Jean Emery, 89, Lawton will be at 11:00 AM Friday, January 9, 2015 at Holy Family Catholic Church with Father Joseph R. Ross officiating. Lt. Col Emery died Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 at his home in Lawton. Burial with full military honors will be in Post Cemetery, Fort Sill under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home. He was born August 11, 1925 in Alhambra California to Dean Emery and Sarah Fages. He attended Mark Keppel High School where he excelled not only in academics but played football and ran track as well. Jean always had a strong work ethic and began working as a paper boy at a young age and then went on to work at a gas station. Being a California native, he spent many fun filled days at the beaches of Monterey Park and Huntington. His world changed when he enlisted in the US Army at the age of 18 during WW11. He served as a Parachute Infantry man in the 17th Airborne Division in the European Theater. He was captured during the Battle of the Bulge on Jan. 7, 1945 at Flamierge, Belgium. He was released from captivity on April 28, 1945 and returned to Ft. Benning Georgia in October of 1945. In 1946, on a date with another girl, he met Loraine Figus in Atlanta Georgia at a dance club called the "Sky Room". A year later they were married and remained so for 65 years until her death. His military career spanned many deployments: Puerto Rico, Panama Canal Zone, Japan, Iran, Paris France, Stuttgart Germany, Vietnam, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Alabama and North Carolina. While stationed in Nebraska he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Nebraska University. Upon retiring in 1974 his passions included: golf, bridge, gardening and dabbling in real estate. Jean's honors included: Good Conduct Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American campaign Medal, World War 11 Victory Medal, POW medal, Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal 1st OLC and Legion of Merit. His greatest accomplishment was his family for which he was so proud: son David Stephen and daughter-in-law Janet Emery, Huntsville Alabama, two daughters and son-in-laws, Drs. Michele and Garth Splinter of OKC and Toni and Bobby Ryans of Lawton, and five grandchildren and their spouses: Yvonne and Lucas Fernandez, Cory and Stacy Ryans, David Splinter and Meghali Goswami, Kimberly and Anthony Prince, and Janelle and Juan de la Guardia. He is also survived by eleven great -grandchildren: Federico, Joaquin, Gabriela, Santiago and Natalia Fernandez; Taylor, Audrey and Braden Ryans; Hunter, Jensen and Sadie Prince and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Loraine and his brother Dean. We can rejoice knowing he is with those who went before him. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 or to the charity of the donor's choice.