KENDALLVILLE — Delane "Deke" Emerick, age 88, of Kendallville, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016 at Parkview Randalia Hospital in Fort Wayne. Mr. Emerick was born on Oct. 8, 1928, in Kendallville, to the late Charles Walter and Hazel I. (Wallace) Emerick. He attended Kendallville High School and then earned his degree. From 1947-1951, he served his country honorably with the United States Air Force during the Korean War conflict. During the war, he was stationed in Wyoming, where he worked as a mechanic, instructor and staff sergeant for the Air Force. While on a blind date with his service comrades in Nebraska, he met his wife, Joanne Leone Johns. On Oct. 8, 1950, he married Joanne at a United Methodist Church in Melbeta, Nebraska. He worked for Emerick Brother's Trucking as a truck driver from 1951-1954. From 1955-1967 Deke owned and operated Emerick's Motor Clinic in Kendallville. Deke then went to work for Quick Tanks as a maintenance manager from 1969-1990 when he retired. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and match pistol shooting. Deke loved to volunteer and make friends while assisting others. He volunteered at Common Grace, Faith in Action and Appalachia Missions. Deke was a member of both Trinity United Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge in Kendallville. He and his wife loved to travel with one another, and when each grandchild turned 12 years old they would take them to a destination of their choice. Deke was a family man and always put them first. Survivors include sons, Bruce and Chris Emerick of Plymouth, Earl and Nancy Emerick of Rochester, Minnesota and Brent and Darlene Emerick of Fischer; grandson, Timothy and Jenny Emerick of Granger; granddaughters, Jodie Emerick of Fort Wayne and Angela and Scott Dugan of Mankato, Minnesota; grandson, John and Amy Emerick of Hull, Iowa; granddaughters, Samantha Emerick of Rochester, Minnesota and granddaughter, Christina Brock of Noblesville; grandson, Joseph and Jill Emerick of Elwood; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Deke was also preceded in death by his spouse; two great-grandchildren, Charlee and Brody Emerick; and a sister, Nadene Gavazzi. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Hite Funeral Home, 403 South Main Street, Kendallville with calling prior from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will take place at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville. Officiating the services is pastor Brent Emerick. Memorial contributions may be directed to and Parkview Hospice. To send a condolence to the family, people may visit at hitefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.