Royce Eugene Emerson, age 88, of Coshocton, Ohio, passed away on his daughter’s day of birth, wedding day, and the day of Saint Valentine, Saturday, February 14, 2026. He was born October 5, 1937, to the late Kenneth and Ruth (Grace) Emerson in Coshocton, Ohio.

He was a 1956 graduate of Roscoe High School and a Veteran of the United States Army. On January 7, 2006, he married Karen (Mendenhall) Emerson, who survives him.

Royce was a man’s man. He believed in hard work, in earning what you had, and in doing your job right. His full-time work at the paper mill, Stone Container, wasn’t just a paycheck, it was something he took pride in. He showed up, put in the hours, and carried himself with the quiet strength of someone who understood responsibility.

And even after a full day’s work, he still chose to serve. He stepped up for his community as a part-time Deputy Sheriff in Coshocton for over 60 years. That says something about his character. He didn’t have to do it, he wanted to do it. He believed in protecting people and standing for what was right.

Royce also had his joys. He was a life member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church and an attendee of the Coshocton Church of the Nazarene. He enjoyed watching western movies, NASCAR races, and ball games, and he loved sports, animals, especially horses, dogs, and rabbits, and sharpening his skills as an expert marksman. He admired Elvis Presley — the music, the presence, and that unmistakable confidence. Most importantly, Royce adored his family, and the time spent with them.

He wasn’t a complicated man. He valued work, service, and the simple things that made him happy. And the legacy he leaves behind isn’t loud, it’s steady. It’s in the example he set, the duties he carried out, and the love he showed in his own way. That’s the kind of strength that stays with us.

Royce is survived by his wife of 20 years, Karen Emerson of Coshocton; his daughter, Rhonda (Chuck Davis) Emerson of Coshocton; his stepdaughters, Raylene (Tim) Gerber of Covington, Kentucky, and Raegina (Mitch Rohr) Shepherd of Millersburg; and his beloved dog, Peanut. He is also survived by his stepgrandchildren, Rashell (Govind) Yadav, Shaina (Will) Baker, Grace (Chris) Nowak, and Faith (Tyler) Nowak; his great-stepgrandchild, Sita Charlotte; and his cousin, Becky (John) Emerson; along with a host of other family, friends, and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his previous wife, Mary Emerson.