Obituary of Richard Wesley Ems

Richard “Dick” Wesley Ems, age 94, a longtime resident of White Horse Village and formerly of Wallingford, PA, and Beaverton, Oregon, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Dick was born on February 2, 1930, in the rural town of Fisher, Illinois.

Dick was a graduate and class valedictorian of Fisher High School, where he was later inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. He continued his academic and athletic pursuits at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1952. Dick was a proud member of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Team.

Dick was a U.S. Airforce Veteran, where he proudly served for 2 years. Dick went on to have a successful sales and marketing career with Pan American Airlines and United Airlines, retiring in 1996. Working in the airline industry facilitated his love of travel where he was able to visit 6 continents and 54 countries.

Dick was an active member of multiple professional councils and boards, including serving as President of the Portland, Oregon Sales and Marketing Executives. He was a dedicated supporter of numerous charities and was extremely generous with his time, including driving veterans to and from the Coatesville, PA Veteran Hospital. He was also a member of Rotary, a 70-year member of the Masons, and American Legion Post #93 in Media, PA.

Dick enjoyed both watching and playing sports, including basketball with the Portland Oregon Athletic Club and was Illinois Basketball’s number one fan. March Madness was his favorite time of the year.  

While Dick had many passions, his deepest love was for his wife, Marcia. Together, they traveled, played golf and bridge, enjoyed time with their children and grandchildren and spending the “snowbird” season in Hillsboro Beach, FL. Dick’s daily pleasures included reading the newspaper cover to cover, connecting with friends and sharing his jokes with his family, friends and the White Horse Village community. 

Son of the late Clarence and Florence (McElwee) Ems; Husband of 64 years to the late Marcia Ann Ems (Rieckman).

Survivors:

Children: Steve (Pia) Ems, Jennifer (Micky) Urquhart, Brian (Heather) Ems.

Grandchildren: Derek Ems, Tyler Ems and Connor Ems, Alisen Maiola (Urquhart) and Michael Urquhart, Ryan Ems, Colin Ems and Gavin Ems.

Great-Grandchildren:  Stella Maiola 

Visitation: Friday, February 7th after 10:00AM at Lima United Methodist Church, 209 N Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063.

Funeral Service: Friday, February 7th at 11:00AM at the church.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Lima United Methodist Church, 209 N Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063, Coatesville VA Hospital, 1400 Black Horse Hill Road, Coatesville, PA 19320.