Hyndman, PA – Wayne E. Emerick, 83, of Hyndman passed away January 19, 2022 at his home

Born May 28, 1938 in Fairhope; he was a son of the late Verdie “Bert” and Leora Emerick. He is preceded in death by, a grandson, Peter E. Emerick, brothers, Merle, James, Robert George, Paul and John; sisters, Wilma Hatridge and Sharon Haggerty.

Survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley I (Clites) Emerick, whom he married December 10, 1965; children, Wayne E. Emerick Jr., Jesse Emerick and wife Avelene, Cynthia Willison and husband David, Mary Rebecca Emerick, Danielle Emerick-Engle and husband Tylor, brother Ernest Emerick, sisters, Pauline Moore, Betty Lou Clites, and June Kimmell; 13 grandchildren with another one expected in February; and 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He honorably retired from the Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant. During his 24 years of service, he served two tours at Parris Island as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor; a 2 years tour as a Senior Instructor at the Staff NCO Academy, a tour at Quantico as an Officer Candidate Sergeant Instructor, and two years as an Instructor at Villanova University, where, under his leadership guided an NROTC Drill team to two national titles.

He was a combat veteran, having served a tour in the Republic of Vietnam as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant, where he was awarded a Naval Commendation Medal for Valor at Chu Lai. He participated in over a dozen combat operations from 1966-1967 as well as numerous operations in the Mediterranean and Cuba.

His awards include two Naval Commendation Medals with Gold Star and Valor Device; Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnamese Presidential Commendations Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Service Medal, USMC Combat Action Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, USMC Good Conduct Medal, Nation Defense Medal, USMC Drill Instructor Ribbon.

His extraordinary service influenced generations of US Marines, including his sons, daughters, and grandsons who also served and continue to serve in the Marine Corps and US Naval Service under his mentorship.

He was a lifelong hunter, trapper, fly fisherman, professional beekeeper and avid storyteller who enjoyed sharing stories and family history with his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather great grandfather, son son-in-law, father-in-law, and friend to all he knew.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zeiglerfuneralhome.com.