William Edwin “Bill” Emerson, 93, of Kansas City, Mo., passed away Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Kansas City Hospice House.
He was born August 3, 1932 in Toledo, Ohio, the only child of Edwin McCray and Mildred Louisa (Geigel) Emerson, who both preceded him in death. He served proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in Panama.
After returning home, Bill married Carol (Bradford) Emerson, with whom he shared a long and loving life until her passing in 2001. Together they raised three children: Steven, David, and Janet.
Bill worked as a salesman for the Bell Corporation for many years before he and Carol founded Blue Valley Publications, Inc. in Shawnee, Kansas. He loved the adventure of entrepreneurship and was always eager to listen to new business ideas, offering encouragement to anyone chasing their dreams. In his later years after the passing of his wife, Bill found love and companionship with Melynda Little, who remained by his side until the end. Bill will be remembered for his kindness, his love of family, and his unwavering support of others. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the generations of family who will cherish his memory.
Survivors include a son, David Emerson and his wife Christie; 11 grandchildren, Billy Emerson and his children Sabastian and Van, Jennifer Schnelle, Jacob Emerson, Lucas Emerson and his children Kahner and Karley, Bradley Emerson, Brian Emerson, Renee Keith with a great-grandbaby on the way, Valerie Emerson, Patrick Sears and his children Zackary and Caylie, Amanda (Sears) Garcia and her children Alyssa, Raul, Ivan, Emma—with the first great-great grandbaby on the way—and Oliver, and Joshua Sears and his daughter Tinley.
In addition to his parents and wife Carol, he was preceded in death by a son, Steven Emerson and his wife Kimberly; and a daughter, Janet (Emerson) Sears and her husband Thomas.
A Celebration of Life will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1014 W. 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor, and condolences may be left online at www.hadleyfuneralhome.com.
