Today's Featured Biography

 
Mike Emerson

Moved to Raytown in Spring of 1950. Our address at that time was 6712 Lane, Rural Route 3-E, Missouri. Imagine!

I attended first grade at Blue Ridge Elementary School. It was new at that time. My teacher was Mrs. Zimmerman. I cried the first week. I remember the times I was sent to the office because I was being disruptive in class and Mr. Nuhn would actually hug me and tell me what I good, bright boy I was. (Can you imagine that happening today!) He would then assign me the task of separating the teachers' mail into their individual boxes. I was really proud of that! My memories of Blue Ridge include John JB Shireman, Keith Bryant, John Akers, Leonard DiGiovanna, Chris Shelton, and more.

My mother passed away when I was in fourth grade at Blue Ridge. That was a sad time and I was a pretty sad and angry little boy.

I started music in fifth grade and decided to play the violin. I played the violin into high school and was a member of the orchestra. I was never very good. Actually I was terrible! I loved the music though and still do. I remember sometimes getting into trouble with Dr. Schupp because I would stop playing and sit and listen. I had a perfect seat. It was like surround sound!

Our sixth grade was split up. Some went to the old school on 63rd street and those of us in music went to the high school. We were re-connected in 7th grade and attended the brand new Raytown Junior High School a block or so behind RHS.

My better memories actually come from my time attending Junior High. It might be said by some that I never really matured past that age. I remember fondly Mrs. Springate (English), Mr. Schwartz (History), Mrs. Rogge (English), Coach Rhodes.

My high school years were really pretty uneventful. While I had fun, I had little or no direction and really wasn't provided much. I made friends and have many good memories of time with them. I still enjoy seeing and hearing from high school classmates. It is fun to hear about their post high school life and families. It is sad to hear that some of their lives were cut short; but that is life and knowing them and remembering them makes me smile and sometimes laugh.

As for my post high school life I will skip to my marriage to Janet. Janet went to Hogan and graduated in '64. She and I met in October 1967 and were married in 1968. We are still married and actually still in love and very happy!

Amanda was born in 1969. Wow what an acheiver she became! Other than her time between age 13 and 17 she was a joy to be with. Amanda grew up to be a very nice adult and we enjoy her and are very proud of her. She has undergraduate degrees from KU and a PHD from Brown University. She recently left employment at South Dakota University to start a new career in nursing.

Erick was born in 1972. He was a joy to raise. He loved sports, and never got into trouble. He holds an undergraduate degree from Warrensburg and a postgraduate degree from the University of Phoenix. Erick and his wife Elizabeth (Leighter) have graced us with three grandchildren, Trevor age 12, Maggie age 7, and Ben age 5. Janet and I enjoy watching and playing with them. I am probably "speaking to the choir" when I try to express how much we love them and enjoy our time with them.

Our family moved to Lee's Summit in 1976. All of us still live in Lee's Summit.

That is pretty much it. I have been an independent insurance agent since late 1968. We never really retire, so I still sell life and health insurance to folks around my age whenever they ask me. Some would call us seniors; however I haven't really become comfortable with that term yet. My wife Janet is an RN at St. Lukes on the Plaza. She intends to retire in December. We love to travel and have been just about everywhere on the Carribean. This past winter we rented a condo for seven days at Juan Dolio Dominican Republic with friends. I think a cruise is in store for us next winter. Favorite vacation spots in the U.S. are Isle of Palms Charleston, SC and Scottsdale, AZ.

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