Burdette Layton Emel, age 80, of Elk Ridge, Utah, passed away Friday, October 1, 2021, unexpectedly and painlessly, surrounded by family. He is also known affectionately as Burt, Berdie; and especially: Dad, Pops, Grandpa, Gramps, Brother, and Uncle.
Burt was born in Juneau, Alaska, and attended schools in Douglas and Juneau. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1957 at Fort Richardson; and, in 1962, transferred to the 198 1st USAR Control Group, and was also part of the 1st Air Calvary Brigade. While serving, he obtained his GED and was awarded many medals, including the Air Medal and Purple Heart, for his service in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1967 as a Staff Sergeant.
Burt is survived by his son, Edward Daniel Karlson of Seattle, Washington; son, Raymon David (Carolyn) Emel of Payson, Utah; daughter, Gail (Jay) Thompson of Juneau, Alaska; grandchildren: Ashley (Casey) Burgess, Kendra (AJ) Roberts, Cody Emel, Shayla Taylor, Tyler Emel, Kenneth Emel, and Porter Thompson; great-grandchildren: William Burgess, Elizabeth Burgess, Madaya Roberts, McCrae Roberts, McCoy Roberts, and Marty Roberts; sister, Larine Mortensen of Elk Ridge, Utah; and the mother of his children, Julie Ann David of Juneau, Alaska. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rollin Layton Emel and Leona Lillian Crouch Emel; and by his first wife, Barbara G Shoemaucher Emel.
Burt met his first wife, when stationed in Germany. They were married on March 16, 1964, and sealed in the Provo Utah Temple on March 27, 2003. Tragically, she was lost in an accident on March, 15, 1966. After his military service, Burt moved back to Juneau, where he met and married his second wife, Julie. They were married on January 24, 1969, and raised their children: Ed, Ray, and Gail, until they were divorced in 1986. Burt worked as a Sergeant at the Lemon Creek Correctional Center for 17 years; and upon retirement, served as a Captain of Security at the Juneau International Airport for another six years.
Besides the love of family, Burt had a passion for boats, bikes, and books. While he adored all boats and being out on the water to fish or just putting around enjoying the Alaska scenery, he had a strong affection for C-Dory. Most of his life, he enjoyed cruising the open road on his Honda Goldwing. After moving to Utah, and later Nevada, he enjoyed catching up with friends on many road trips throughout the United States. He was a lifetime member of the American Motorcyclist Association. Burt was an avid reader and when he was ever in a store, more than likely you would find him in the book aisle. And when he wasn’t at work, on his motorcycle or reading a book, he was busy with home improvement projects for which his children fondly remember his one-of-kind, wood-working creations that included shelves, bed frames, storage sheds, and sewing centers. If you had time to sit and shoot the breeze with him, he always had a good joke.
Burt was strong, courageous, would wear his heart on his sleeve, and would give you the shirt off his back. He was deeply loved by his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.
There will be a Graveside Service at Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah, on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.
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