Emerson Blunt Sr.

Emerson Blunt Sr., who lived a life of service to his family and community was born in Columbus MS on May 21, 1931 and welcomed into his eternal rest on February 6, 2022. He was the oldest of six children born to the late Alex and Mary Lou Blunt. Emerson was dedicated to serving others anytime, anywhere and in anyway that he saw a need. As the oldest child, he served his parents and siblings (Lurenia, Mary Ann, Joe, Josie, Louvon) by being the son and brother who always “looked” out for the family. Emerson served our country during the Korean War. He joined the US Army in January 1952. He was first stationed at Indiantown Gap in the 4th Infantry Division. He was assigned to the Military Police Unit #504 and the Transportation Unit. Emerson was honorably discharged on January 14, 1954. Emerson met Mary Will Ash in 1948 at the Blue Room (Columbus, MS), a gathering place for young people at the time. Mary stated, someone asked her, “Who is that handsome guy standing over there?”, and she turned to look at her future husband, Emerson. They were married on April 12, 1953. Mary joined Emerson at the Fort Eustis, VA Army base where they lived until his honorable discharge. They returned to Columbus, MS to set up their home and start their family. To, this union, four children were born, Emerson Jr, Eddie, Patricia and Karl. The family relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1959. One of Emerson’s greatest acts of service was his dedication to work. It didn’t matter whether it was a career position, work around the house, yard work, volunteer opportunities or helping others, he always gave his BEST! Emerson was employed as a Security Officer for most of his life. He was the first African American Security Guard at Western Electric (now AT&T). He was employed in Security at Pendleton Reformatory. Emerson was a private detective for Chancellor Detective Agency. He worked as a Security Guard for many local department stores. Emerson completed barber school at Poro Barber School in 1959. He made sure the men and boys who came to Pat’s Barbershop on Indiana Avenue received a quality cut and shave. He was a volunteer Reserve Officer for the Marion County Sheriff Department and Indianapolis Police Department. Emerson served the community as a volunteer for many organizations. To name a few, the Martin Center (Sickle Cell Support), Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association, Black Expo, Election Day Poll Judge, YMCA, and many local fund raising efforts that included taking as many people as he could gather to “Walk for the cause”. Emerson served his local church, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, faithfully until his health did not allow him to volunteer. He served on the Trustee Board, sang with the Male Chorus, and enjoyed working in the Bus Ministry. Emerson leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 68 years, Mary Will and their four children, Emerson Blunt Jr (Janice), Eddie Blunt Sr (Trisha), Patricia (Bryan) Hudson and Karl Blunt (Stephanie), 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Mary Ann Edwards (Audley Sr) & Louvon Braxton (Robert) and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by sisters Luerina Brown and Josie M. Blunt and brother Joe Blunt.