Richard Allyn Gotobed Emerson

Dick Emerson was born Richard Allyn Gotobed on July 18, 1931. He was born in Pomona, California where his mother was staying with her mother and sisters, awaiting his birth. When he was mature enough, they returned to their home in Turlock, California, where he resided with his family, including younger brother Sydney until he married. He met with future at the Turlock Methodist Church when they were in high school. Following his graduation from Turlock High School, he graduated from Modesto Junior College*, attended a semester at UC Berkeley and a quarter at San Jose State*. He and Mary Ellen were married on August 10, 1052.

Shortly after their marriage, Dick was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War and served at Ft. Ord, Monterey until his discharge in 1954. He then attended Fresno State* on the GI Bill, receiving an BA in Education. He changed his surname to Emerson upon the birth of their daughter, Karen. His entire career was with the Fresno Unified School District, first as an elementary school teacher and then as an elementary school principal. He received his Administrative Credential and his MA in Education from Fresno State*.

He joined the Air Force ROTC during college, receiving a commission in the US Air Force upon graduation. This enabled his second career as an officer in the California Air National Guard, Fresno. He spent 28 years in the CANG, obtaining the honorary rank of brigadier general. After 35 years with FUSD, Dick retired in 1991. He and Mary Ellen spent more than the next ten years. traveling off and on in their truck and fifth wheel. They drove as far northwest as Fairbanks, AL, southwest to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, northeast to Newfoundland, Canada, southeast to Key West, Fl and south to the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico.

He was involved with several organizations: California Retired Teachers, SIRS, Ch.179, the North Fresno Exchange Club, Almond Valley RV Club and the San Joaquin Valley Garden Railway Society. Richard Emerson died on Dec. 19, 2022.

He leaves his wife of 70 years, Mary Ellen; his three children: Karen Woolsey (Brian), Greg Emerson (Wendy) and Dave Emerson (Alyssa); six grandchildren: Kayla Emerson, Lauren Emerson, Kyle Woolsey, Eric Woolsey (Kay), Owen Emerson and Violet Emerson. "Modesto Junior" is now Modesto Community College. San Jose State College and Fresno State College are now Universities.

Graveside Service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:30 am at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 South Cornelia Ave, Fresno, CA 93706. Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 2435 N. Thesta St., Fresno, CA 93703.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lislefuneralhome.com for the Emerson family.