Emerson Strosnider

Emerson Strosnider, age 83, of Dover, Ohio, passed away on May 23, 2023, after a long but courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Emerson was born on March 29, 1940, in Marshall County, West Virginia, where he resided most of his life.  For almost two decades, he lived in Florida and then in 2012 moved to the Dover/New Philadelphia, Ohio area.

Emerson had a deep love for many things.   First and foremost, his God Jehovah, second his role- model Jesus, and third his family.  His love for the Bible became strong as a pre-teen and he was an avid reader of it. As a deep thinker, especially regarding science and creation, he read the Bible with an inquisitive mind, and at age 17, was dedicated to God and determined to live by this book. He gave proof of this in 1958, when he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  Several years later, he married Judy Ann Babcock of Marietta, OH.  His deep love and devotion for his wife of 60 years, was an honor to his God and an inspiration to many, especially his three children Elaine, Melanie, and Phillip.

Emerson provided for his family by being a coal miner.   Despite having graduated high school with honors, he worked hard in the coal mines as a mechanic and an electrician. This vocation though did not define him.  He loved music, played at least 5 different instruments well, and played the guitar daily.  Playing music for others to enjoy, both in small settings and large.   He loved nature, knowing for instance, over 200 different species of trees.  He was a beekeeper, carpenter, and reader, and the list could go on endlessly.

Emerson was also a lover of people and would give of himself tirelessly.  Supporting and building  up friends and strangers alike, primarily with the Bible.  Sometimes one on one, or at other times,  by giving bible lectures to crowds of hundreds, sometimes thousands.  Doing so, not with pride, but with humility; following Christ’s example and hoping to please his God.  Always wanting to prove his loyal love.

Emerson was preceded in death by his parents Russel and Leta (Myers) Strosnider; his brothers Jim, Philip, Kenny and Glen; and his sister Dorothy.

Emerson is survived by his sisters, Betsy of Havelock, NC and Eleanor of Benwood, WV; his wife Judy, of Dover, OH; his daughters Elaine Fillman of Salem, OR and Melanie Moore of Dover, OH; his son Phillip Strosnider, of New Philadelphia, OH; a grandson Jeremy Dryburgh, and his wife, Vanessa, of Yorkville, OH; a granddaughter Alexa Thompson, and her husband Auston, of New Philadelphia, OH; and 4 great grandchildren Aavery, Keziah, Finley, and Caydence Emery (in honor of her great grandfather Emerson, who was born the day after Emerson’s passing.)  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; as well as his much loved sons-in-law Brent Fillman and John Moore, and daughter-in-law Anna (Ford) Strosnider; and also many extended family and friends.

Emerson’s wish was to be cremated, so there will be a Zoom Memorial, as the family and friends of Emerson are far and wide.   The Memorial Service will be as follows:

Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 5:00 PM EST.   2:00 PM PST.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89438508670

Meeting ID:  894 3850 8670

Passcode:   guitar

Your presence and support would be greatly appreciated.   At the end of the Memorial service there will be an opportunity to share thoughts and beautiful memories of Emerson.

Condolences and special memories can also be shared with the family at: www.heritagecremationsociety.com