Emmett G. Roper

It is with great sadness that we must inform you all of the passing of our husband and father, Emmett George Roper. He fell unconscious unexpectedly on 9/12/21 at around 3PM. His son, Richard, performed CPR on him until the paramedics arrived. Sadly, they were not able to revive him. He was taken to SLU, where the doctors had no more luck than the EMS crew. We feel confident that he did not suffer.

The family is still trying to determine how to move forward, but at this time we can say that we do not plan to hold any gatherings. The safety of our living friends and family takes priority, and we will not risk anyone's health or life to the ongoing pandemic. Please take some time to reflect on the impact Emmett has had on your life, and take the time to appreciate your own loved ones.

We would be happy to hear from you if you want to talk about Emmett. If you wish to visit Linda in person, please make plans with her and do so in small, responsibly sized groups as time permits in the coming days.

Emmett had a lot of plans for the rest of this year. He had just joined the "Adventure Crew" with his daughter-in-law, Lasia and her sister Kim. He was enjoying their hikes and wilderness foraging trips and they were learning a lot from him about how to camp in style.

He worked for Barnes Jewish Hospital, and reported for his last shift the evening before. At the end of that shift he came by Sean's house for his morning swim and all was well. He'd told us recently he was trying to get his muscle memory back for doing flips from the diving board. Unfortunately, Sean slept in on Sunday and didn't see him before he went home. Sean wishes he had gotten up earlier and gotten that last chance to see him while Kierra curled up next him as they chatted, as was their morning custom.

Emmett was really living life to the fullest these last few years. Changes at his job had given him actual paid time-off for the first time in decades, if not ever, which he loved to use for his hunting trips. He even bagged an actual deer a few years ago.

If you spent time with him, you know he was funny and smart. He loved cards, and chess, though he had no opponents to play with lately. He liked science fiction and must have watched all of Stargate SG-1 at least 5 times through. He was independent and utterly reliable. He was always where you needed him to be when you needed him to be there. He was not afraid to undertake any task. He was an electrician, a mechanic, a carpenter, a plumber, a gardener, a woodsman, and an author. He may never have undertaken any of these roles professionally, but he also never needed a professional to get anything done. He didn't know everything, but he knew everything you needed to know.

He was our rock, and we will be adrift without him. We thought we had so much time left. He seemed fine, especially for a man of 73 years. As new information becomes available, We will update this post. Please take some time to remember Emmett by leaving a favorite memory in the box below or sharing a photo. Thank you.