Robert Ems

Robert Ems, 89, of Naperville, formerly of Canton, IL, joined his beloved wife, Jeanne, in heaven on June 18. Bob was born in Fisher, IL on June 19, 1931 to Clarence and Florence (McElwee) Ems. Bob married Jeanne Gossard on June 7, 1952. Surviving are two children, Randy (Amy) of Yorkville and Lizabeth "Dee" Watson of Canton, MS, brother, Richard "Dick" Ems of Newton Square, PA, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Growing up in the very small town of Fisher, Bob Ems was a quiet kid who loved the outdoors. Pheasant hunting and fishing took up a lot of his time. He also was an active young man who learned to love any kind of sport. He took this interest in sport seriously and developed into a fine athlete. So good in fact that he went on to Southern, IL University in Carbondale to become an MVP and captain in both baseball and football. He became the first football player from SIU to be drafted in the NFL by the Chicago Cardinals.
Bob was a tremendously gifted natural athlete but he had a greater passion than sports. That was the amazing girl next door from Fisher, Jeanne Gossard. They were married July 7, 1952 while Bob was attending classes, playing sports and taking some time to serve in The Korean Conflict before coming back and graduating from SIU and the University of Illinois for his masters.
After a quick stint as an assistant park director in Fairfield, IL Bob and Jeanne and newly born daughter Dee, and 2 year old, Randy, moved to Canton. They never looked back.
Bob went right to work in his new hometown of Canton. He got off to a quick start by persuading Consolidated Coal Company to donate 113 acres of land for the development of what was to become Ingersoll Airport in the 1960's. Canton remains one of the few towns of its size to have its own airport.
In the 1970's, the coal company agreed to donate another 448 acres to create Lakeland Park with Bob's encouragement. Lakeland Park was born and developed into a center for community recreation, activity and reflection. The park district received a national award for originality and uniqueness of design.
Bob wasn't done yet and after retiring and nearing age 80 he had a vision to create The Veteran's Memorial at Lakeland Park. It is his finest legacy he leaves to the people of Canton.
Bob was a tough man with tons of talent and vision. He deeply cared about his children, his community, his family and his church. He was one of a kind and will be missed but never forgotten.
A celebration of life will be held at Wesley United Methodist in Canton on Wednesday, June 30. Visitation will begin at 10, service at 11:15 and food and fellowship to follow. Memorials can be made to Wesley United Methodist or the Canton Park District Foundation for The Veteran's Memorial. Online condolences can made at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com