Jay Frank Emley, 74, of rural Columbia City, died at 2:40 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, where he was admitted on Thursday.

Born on February 19, 1949, in Huntington, Indiana, he was a son of the late J. Frank and Mary Alice (Allred) Emley. Growing up in northern Huntington County, he completed Clear Creek Elementary School and graduated from Huntington High School in 1967.

On August 7, 1993, he married Gloria Jean Hart. They became residents of Whitley County where they would forever have their home.

Gloria passed on January 4, 2007, and was laid to rest in the Clear Creek Cemetery in Huntington County.

Jay was a lifelong farmer and served many years as the treasurer and caretaker for the Clear Creek Cemetery in Huntington County until his passing. Outside of farming, he first worked with Schacht Rubber Company in Huntington. Earning a refrigeration technician certificate, he went to work for Rader's Refrigeration. He completed his working career with his brother's company, Specialty Engineering in Huntington, with over ten years of service.

He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, the NRA, and the Harold Breakfast Club. He had a love for life, spending time outdoors, in his barn, or on the farm with family and friends while always enjoying chips and a beer. He was a lover of Farm Shows, gardening, and making wine. He spent countless hours mowing and maintaining the Clear Creek Cemetery. He will be missed.

Surviving are two daughters, Micky S. (Chad) Gerrard of Andrews and Sandra (Greg) Sands of Hamilton; a stepdaughter, Angela N. (Travis) Hammond of Columbia City; stepsons, Adam (Julie) Hendryx of Huntington and Shaun (Katie) Hendryx of St Petersburg, FL; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brothers, Terry (Teresa) Emley of St Cloud, MN, Richard (Suzanne) Emley of Huntington, and Roger (Penny) Emley of Roann.

The funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday (July 13th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Clear Creek Cemetery. Visitation is 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Jay's honor can be made to the Clear Creek Cemetery.