Emery Roderick Edinger

Emery Roderick Edinger, affectionately known as "Eddy" by family and friends, passed away leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, devotion, and love. He will be remembered as a kind, honorable, and deeply devoted man whose warm heart and gentle spirit touched all who knew him. Friends often described him as "a very nice man" and many said they "thought the world of him." 

Born with a strong sense of duty and determination, Emery attended North Central High School in Spokane, Washington. At the age of 17, he chose to answer the call to serve his country by joining the United States Air Force. He later completed his GED, demonstrating the perseverance and dedication that would characterize his entire life. 

Emery proudly served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring with an honorable discharge in 1972. During his distinguished military career, he was a member of the Strategic Air Command, an elite organization responsible for command and control of America's strategic nuclear bomber forces during the Cold War. He also served with the 89th Airlift Wing, supporting air missions for the President of the United States, the Vice President, and other senior national leaders, including work associated with Air Force One operations. 

After retiring from military service at the age of 37, Emery embarked on a successful second career with E-Systems in Greenville, Texas. Working in aircraft maintenance leadership, he continued to contribute his expertise and commitment to excellence. His career culminated in a six-year assignment in Germany, where he oversaw fleet maintenance for the European Senatorial Fleet based at Ramstein Air Force Base.

 Among Emery's greatest blessings was the love he shared with his wife, Evangelina Salamanca. The two were married when Emery was just 18 years old while stationed in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Together they built a loving family and welcomed four children. Their marriage endured for more than 45 years until Evangelina's passing on January 1, 2000, a testament to their unwavering devotion to one another.

 Family was at the center of Emery's life. He cherished time spent with loved ones and created memories that will be treasured for generations. His family fondly recalls camping trips in Idaho, where sleeping in the back of the camper became a favorite adventure. They also remember driving through the tunnels of Spokane, Washington, as the children eagerly waited for him to sound the horn, turning an ordinary drive into an unforgettable family tradition.

 Emery is survived by his half-brother, Ronald Gepford and spouse Julie Strugar Gepford; his children, Emery Edinger, Jr. and spouse Kathy Edinger, Richard Edinger, Ronny Edinger and spouse Elaine Edinger, and Diana Edinger Mongognia and spouse John Mongognia. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Katrena Bowers, who recently served as his primary caregiver; Emery "Trey" Edinger III and spouse Kayla Edinger; Joshua Edinger; Richard Edinger, Jr.; Stephanie Edinger; Megan Edinger; Sarah Edinger Ullrich and spouse Dakota Ullrich; Amanda Edinger; and Ethan Edinger and spouse Emily Koch Edinger. His legacy continues through eleven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

 Though Emery's family grieves his loss, they find comfort in the example he set through a life defined by service, integrity, faith, and love. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his legacy will continue through the generations of family he so dearly loved. 

"Well done, good and faithful servant."