Harry Lloyd Emmons passed away with his wife by his side on January 20th, 2021 as a result of a fall that happened in June 2020.
Harry, a loving father, man of integrity and larger-than-life personality, was born on August 4, 1939 to Lloyd and Emma Emmons in Neptune, New Jersey. He was raised in Maryland and attended college at the University of Maryland. Harry then joined the U.S. Navy in 1958 where he proudly served on the UDT-12 team (Underwater Demolition Team) which later became known as the Navy Seals. Following his service, Harry came to Montana on a hunting trip and decided to call it home. It was here that his extraordinary work ethic and love for family took shape. He proudly raised his six children – Kimberly Repp (deceased), Christopher (Mary) Emmons, Jennifer Emmons, Patrick (Ika) Emmons, Meagan (Josh) Smith, and Emily Emmons, as well as his three stepchildren – Derek Jones, Carissa (Rylan) Stahly, and Denver Jones.
All of his life, Harry had an amazing talent for equestrian jumping and later passed his passion onto his sons. As a teenager, he had the privilege of riding for Boyce Nayler and won the U.S. Championship Hunter class at the Madison Square Gardens. When his competition days were over, Harry remained active in the equestrian community and served as President for the Montana Horse Association for several years. Harry also continued to raise horses and coach his sons through their own competitions. When he wasn’t in the arena or working in his barn, you could be certain he was busy making sure his family was being taken care of – whether that was offering support, sharing a story or cracking a joke, you could count on him to warm your heart and leave a lasting impression.
There was no doubt that Harry was dedicated to hard work and providing for his family, even if that meant working multiple jobs. Anyone who had the pleasure of working with him would tell you how he made a positive impact on them and helped them to find the fun in each day. After 20 years working at U.S. West, he went to work with the Department of Revenue for 15 years. While there, Harry was asked to work on a special team to help build the state accounting system by the Department of Administration (SABHRS). After spending 7 years with that department, he transitioned to Fish Wildlife and Parks and worked for several more years before retiring and moving on to his next adventure.
On November 25, 2000, Harry married the love of his life and best friend Diana Arnold. They worked together to build their perfect home in Jefferson City and it was here that he was able to enjoy his retired life and spend some much needed time relaxing. For Harry, that meant spending time with his family, working on projects, fishing and taking care of his animals.
Harry is preceded in death by his parents, step-sister Ann Flynn, daughter Kimberly and granddaughter, Isabella. He is survived by his wife, Diana, brother Ron (Bunny) Emmons, 5 children and 13 grandchildren.
It’s true, on him we could always rely; but he’s decided it’s time for us to say goodbye. He gave us something by which to remember him when gone; “I’ve never had this much fun with my clothes on!”
A private family memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 30th. The service will be live-streamed on the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Facebook page for those who would like to attend virtually. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Harry.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Jennifer emmkns says
My father was an amazing man I will always have wonderful memories. I love u dad and will miss u. Your loving daughter Jennifer❤️
Chuck Eatinger says
My deepest condolences to Harry’s family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. May you find peace and healing through the Lord as you grieve the loss of this truly fine man. It was a pleasure to know Harry as we sat and cheered on our Helena High boys basketball teams throughout the years. I miss those days and wish we could have them back. Harry is now in a far better place knowing you will all be reunited with him one day. RIP, Harry and thank you so much for your diligent service to our great country.
God bless. ♥️🙏♥️
Crystal Wong Shors says
Decades have passed since I worked with Harry at US WEST, still I thought of him often. Reading his story, I learned much I didn’t know about him. He didn’t talk about himself. He did talk with love about his family, and he managed his work with professionalism and calm. What I remember most about Harry is his wonderful, wry humor. When mistakes were made and things went awry at the phone company, Harry quipped, “Just be glad this isn’t an airplane.” May the warm memories of Harry bring comfort.
Janet Atchison says
Harry taught me so much when I started at the State. He made me an asset management queen. I have missed him several years now. Thanks for all you did for me, my mentor.
Lisa Emmons Garland says
We will miss you Uncle Harry wish we got to see you more . You will be missed . Rest in peace and our prayers are with your whole family near and far . Love , Lisa Emmons Garland
Kathleen Broussard says
So very sorry about Harry. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. We worked with Harry at DOR.
Keith, Kathleen and Kory Broussard
Brett Wall says
My condolences to Diane and family. I have fond memories of Harry, good conversations and he had a great smile.
Blessings to you 🙏
Fran Monro says
Great guy, enjoyed working with him and knowing him and Diana. Harry was a good guy, you’ll be missed. He was a joy to work with, he had good stories to make time go by fast. God be with your family and Diana .
Rudy J Tomich says
I had the pleasure of working with Harry at Revenue. He was a man of integrity and a hard worker. My prayers and thoughts are with Diana and family. May God bless.
Maria Szymanski Bates says
My sincere sympathy to the family of Harry Emmons. What a guy Harry was, with his quick wit, he always found a way to add humor to any situation and you just never knew what he would come up with. We always had fun hanging out together, that’s for sure. One thing that was obvious was his love for his wife, Diana, he adored and worshiped her and now she has the best guardian angel above. I had the pleasure of singing at their wedding over 20-years ago and now I will sing at Harry’s funeral on Saturday. Diana, you are amazing and strong and we will get through this together. Rest in Peace Harry.
Patrick Christian Emmons says
Fair winds And following seas to my friend, my father, and a warrior the world will never forget. God bless.
Denise Howard says
My sincerest condolences to Harry’s family and friends. It’s been many years since I worked with Harry at U S West, but I have thought of him over the years with very fond memories. He was always a lot of fun to work with and kept everyone laughing. Rest In Peace, Harry. You will be missed.
Diane Armstrong says
My condolences to the family of Harry. I worked with him years ago in Helena at US West. He always had a smile and quick joke. His presence will be remembered with many memories.
Roche & Teri Juneau says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda and Dan Gaughan says
Diana and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Harry was a great man. Working with him was fun, especially when we could listen to his stories. What a character! He is missed.
Carrie S Frohreich says
My condolences to Diana and family. My thoughts are with you. Please reach out to me if you need anything.
Ken Cahoon says
I want to thank Harry for being my friend over these many years. I so enjoyed his sense of humor, his stories of life and his immense physical talents. A man I truly admire. I will miss you my friend.
Diana Emmons says
I would like to Thank everyone for their kind words and memories of Harry. I also Thank Anderson, Steven’s Wilke for making this process easier for me. Harry now resides in the cabin he has always wanted.
Kristi Brothets says
Sincere condolences to Harry’s family. He taught me jumping lessons at the 10 High Stables. I have fond memories of that time with Harry. I guess they needed a rider up there. May the angels carry into paradise.
Kristi Brothers says
Sincere condolences to Harry’s family. He taught me jumping lessons at the 10 High Stables. I have fond memories of that time with Harry. I guess they needed a rider up there. May the angels carry you into paradise.