July 8, 2014 

Funeral for the Rev. D. A. Emerson, 79, of Arab will be Sat., July 12, at 11 a.m. at Life Gate Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Mims, Brother Shawn Graves and Brother Kevin Connell officiating and Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel directing.

Burial will be in Madison Cemetery. Visitation will be Fri., July 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. He will lie-in-state at the Church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Rev. Emerson died Tue., July 8, 2014, in Huntsville Hospital. He was born Feb. 21,1935, in Wink, Texas to David G. Sr. and Clearean Emerson. He was a high school and college graduate and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was married Nov. 7, 1959, to the former Irene Humphrey; they have shared their lives together for the past 54 years and have called Arab their home since 1971.

Rev. Emerson was pastor of Union Grove Baptist Church in Morgan City for three years. He was also founder and pastor of the Life Gate Baptist Church for 31 years and currently was serving as pastor emeritus. He was preceded in death by his parents, David G. Sr. and Clearean Emerson; and a brother, Dave Emerson Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Irene Emerson; two sons, Mark Emerson (Cam) and John Emerson (Susan); three grandchildren, Brandon Emerson (Jamie), Seth Emerson (Sabrina) and Whitney Emerson; five great-grandchildren, Bryson, Noah, Alley, Andee and Sadie Emerson; two nephews, David Emerson (Becky) and Bella Emerson (Mona).

Pallbearers will be Marshall Cater, Brandon Emerson, Seth Emerson, Keith Phillips, Marty Stephens and Rex Wilson.