Emory G. Wilt

On Sunday, September 8th, Emory Gilbert Wilt, Jr., age 94, entered his heavenly home. Emory was born to the late Emory Sr. and Marguerite Wilt and spent his youth in Altoona, PA. Favorite childhood memories included spending summers with his grandparents in the country and delivering groceries from his Dad’s store to customers. After graduating from Altoona High School, he moved to Alexandria, Virginia, seeking employment and living with his Aunt Vera and Uncle Russell. Little did he know that he would meet the love of his life and bride-to-be, Lola L. Butler, who lived next door with her parents. Emory and Lola shared their married life for almost 70 years, until the Lord called her home in July of 2017. Emory loved flying and everything associated with airplanes. One of his early jobs was at National Airport as an airplane instrument mechanic. He used any extra money earned to take flying lessons, but upon meeting Lola, he decided to redirect his spending priorities. After working at the airport, he enjoyed a 41-year career as a master welder with the Potomac Electric Power Company. During his retirement years, Emory enjoyed a variety of volunteer opportunities, including: blood donor program with the American Red Cross, trail improvement with the National Park Service, property maintenance at the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm on the Potomac River, and participation in a week-long disaster relief effort in the Gulf after Hurricane Katrina. He also loved fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, and learned to snow ski and water ski at the age of 50. Travel, family outings and picnics, country music, woodworking, ping pong and gardening were pastimes he thoroughly enjoyed. Emory shared his love of life and activities with his family – he was a true family man. A faithful servant of the Lord, Emory shared his faith by example. He worshiped at Immanuel Lutheran Church and later at St. John’s Lutheran Church. At Immanuel, he served on the Evangelism Committee with Lola, sang in the choir and was “Mr. Fix-It” at the church and parochial school. When Emory moved to Heatherwood Retirement Community at the age of 92, he worshiped at Messiah United Methodist Church with Debbie and Tom. Emory had a servant’s heart, helpful hands and a kind and generous nature. He dearly loved his family, but most of all, he loved his Lord. Emory is survived by his three children and their spouses: Debbie Eakin and Tom; Mark Wilt and Cindy; Becky Kirchoff and Phil. He is also survived by four grandchildren and their spouses and four great-grandchildren: Paul Wilt and Paige and Ryan; Jeffrey Eakin and Kelly, twins James and Bryce, and Eliza; Jennifer Sloan and Andrew; and Peter Wilt. His brother, Paul C. Wilt and wife, Doris also survive him. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to: The Lutheran Hour Ministries 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63141-8557 - or - Immanuel Lutheran School Building Fund 1801 Russell Road Alexandria, Virginia 22301 - or - St. John’s Lutheran Church 5952 Franconia Road Alexandria , VA 22310 Please indicate that your memorial is in memory of Emory Wilt.

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Emory G. Wilt

April 25, 1925 - September 8, 2019