Emmitt Lavern Kauk was born February 22, 1915 in Leedey, Oklahoma to Charlie and Helen (Herren) Kauk. He passed away at his home in Leedey on Sepptember 15, 2011 at the age of 86.
Emmitt attended Leedey High School, but was drafted before he graduated. In January of 2002 Emmitt was given an honorary diploma from Leedey High School. While serving in the Army during World War II he received the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star and the European Theater Medal. He was a member of the Airborne Infantry which rode glider airplanes to land behind enemy lines. Emmitt fought at the Battle of the Bulge, and was one of only five men from a company of 130 to survive neither wounded nor killed. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
On April 17, 1949 Emmitt was united in marriage to Betty Helen Skelton. To this union four children were born, Ronnie, Cynthia, Kathleen and Kim. He remained in Leedey throughout his entire life.
Emmitt was the owner and operator of Kauk Ford. He was a member of the American Legion and a retired fireman from the Leedey Fire Department. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and loved to watch anything his grandkids were involved.
Emmitt was baptized on January 17, 1954 at the age of 29 at the First Baptist Church in Leedey. He was a very active member serving as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher. He was also involved with mission building trips.
Emmitt was preceded in death by his wife Betty; infant daughter Kathleen; grandson Aaron Boyd, parents Charles and Helen Kauk and brother, Gerold “Smokey” Kauk.
Loved ones remaining to cherish his memory are son, Ronnie Kauk and wife Kristi of Miami, Texas; daughters, Cynthia Kauk of Leedey, Oklahoma and Kim Boyd and husband Mike of Leedey, Oklahoma; grasndchildren, Greg Kauk and wife Mandy of Titusville, Florida, Brett Kauk and wife Marti of Canadian, Texas, Danita Bufford and husband Travis of Ponca City, Oklahoma and Ryan Boyd of Leedey, Oklahoma; great grandchildren, Madison, Alison, Hanna, Riston, Emily, Sadie, and Kaison; sister Darlene Quattlebaum and husband Marvin; several nieces, nephews and a lifetime of friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 20 at the First Baptist Church, Leedey, Oklahoma with burial following in New Hermon Cemetery. Services arranged by Shaw Funeral Home, Leedey, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may b e made to the Leedey First Baptist Church or the Leedey Fire/EMT c/o: Shaw Funeral Home, P.O. Box 276, Vici, OK 73859. Condolences may be made to the family at shawduneralhome.net
Cheyenne Star, Cheyenne, OK 15SEP2011