Dexter Kenneth Emmons

Dexter "Dex" Emmons, 61, a longtime Wenatchee Valley resident, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 14, 2014, following an extended illness. He was born on September 14, 1952 in Leavenworth to the late Rex and Frances (Cleven) Emmons. He was raised and attended schools in Leavenworth, graduating from the Leavenworth High School with the class of 1970. From a young age, Dex employed a strong work ethic. He worked at the Texaco in Leavenworth when he was not attending school and picked up additional work when he was not working his other job or in class. Aside from work and school during his high school years, Dexter enjoyed extra-curricular activities such as marching band and football. He proudly shared stories about the difficult training, running mountainous terrain with his Leavenworth football teammates. He also described many shenanigans that he and friends likely shouldn't have survived, such as toboggan rides down Ski Hill and adventures in the Icicle. Dex grew up tough, hard-working, and for him, failure was never an option. After meeting and marrying Debra Arnold, he went to work in Wenatchee at the K-Mart store and earned a spot in the Manager Training Program where his strong work ethic and positive attitude moved him up the corporate ladder. He moved with the company to work in several stores in the Western United States; later in his he career managed stores in Southern California. Dexter often visited K-Mart stores in his travels for ideas and comparisons to his stores. He often spent their family vacations in the Wenatchee Valley assisting his father-in-law, the late Arlee Arnold, in the family orchards. After being pressed into early retirement by K-Mart in the late 1990s, he became an entrepreneur. Following an extended visit to Ghana, Africa, he returned to the Wenatchee Valley in 2002. His visit to Ghana fueled an even stronger desire to in his heart to help others less fortunate, even when he had very little himself. Dex would help anybody he could, even if it was to give a stranger a good pep-talk. He encouraged many people with his optimistic outlook on life, and touched many peoples' lives. Dexter is described as being an eternal optimist, was a loyal friend to many and very generous. In his spare time, Dexter was an avid basketball player. He often shared stories of playing ball at Venice Beach in California, where he played some of his toughest opponents. He was also very proud of his family and would tell anyone about them and their achievements. He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Scotty Kenneth & Jocelyn Emmons, Williston, N.D.; two daughters and one son-in-law, Vicki Gillian "Jill" Emmons, Dryden and Elizabeth & Jason Gay, Marysville, WA; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Sandy Vann, Marysville, WA and Lori & John Hansen, Leavenworth; one brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy & Brenda Emmons, Leavenworth and seven grandchildren, Brad (Kait) Emmons, Peshastin, Josh Emmons, Cody Emmons Scotty Kenneth Emmons Jr., and Matthew Emmons all of Williston, N. Dakota, Evan Gay and Sarah Elizabeth Gay both of Marysville, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life is being held on Saturday 3-22-14 at Kings Orchard Church of Christ in Wenatchee at 4PM. A private internment is planned at a later date. You are invited to visit his tribute online at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com . Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Dexter Kenneth Emmons

September 14, 1952 - March 14, 2014