Raymond Emerson

Raymond Lowell "Tuff" Emerson passed away on August 3,2016 after battling cancer for a year. He was born in Oberlin Kansas on September 19,1926 to Inez and Charles Emerson. He served in the United States Army 1945-1946. He attended college in Hays Kansas, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Land Surveying in 1953. He held licenses in Kansas and Oklahoma. He surveyed all over the western states. On October 23,1954, he married Patsy Pendelton, who was the love of his life, in Lovington New Mexico. The couple moved to Rawlins in 1971. During high school and college, Tuff played football and wrestled. Later, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling. At age 55 he took up golfing, and became very good at it! He is famous for hitting two holes-in- one, and was even pictured on the front page of Golf Quarterly magazine! Tuff worked first at Northern National in Hobbs, New Mexico, and then continued his career working for CIG in Garden City, Kansas and Rawlins, Wyoming. He retired in 1989. He was a lifetime member of the Sinclair Golf Course and the Elks Lodge. Tuff never knew a stranger, and was always willing to help anyone, especially family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patsy; and two daughters, Teresa Heekin and Lawanna Straatsma; four grandchildren, Tad, Earl, and Barry Davidson and Jared Straatsma; and 7 great-grandchildren. He was the most wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and will be missed by all. A private family service has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Rawlins Elks Lodge.