Eldon L. “Stoker” Emond, 84, of Wolcott, passed away unexpectedly in Daytona Beach, FL on Friday, March 5, 2021.
Stoker was born June 8, 1936 to Harry and Antoinette Emond in Wolcott, IN.
During the 1950s, he raced for Gene Oberlander at the local tracks in Rensselaer, Monticello, Kokomo and Kankakee, IL, where he won numerous races. He held the track record at Rensselaer for four years. Later, with the help of family and friends, rebuilt his No. 107, 1933 Plymouth and made appearances with it in the Wolcott Festival as well as other venues.
On Aug. 29, 1959, he married the love of his life, Judith Collins, on a hot and humid day at Sacred Heart Church in Remington. She survives. They had four children together in their 61 years of marriage. Stoker attended mass on a regular basis at Sacred Heart.
In 1967, he founded his business, Emond Drainage Service. Forgetting to retire, he worked until his death alongside his oldest son, Kevin Emond, and grandson Cameron Emond.
Stoker enjoyed attending the Daytona 500 yearly since 1980 as well as the fall Bristol race. He also picked up the game of golf in later life. Throughout his life, he made numerous friends with his countless stories and sense of humor. He will be missed by all.
Stoker is survived by his wife, Judith; one daughter: Angela Mansfield of Indianapolis; three sons: Kevin (Mindy) Emond of Wolcott, Kerry (Denise) Emond of Wolcott and Kirk (Andrea) Emond of Lafayette and a sister Janet (Ray) Rowe of Crawfordsville.
Stoker loved spending time with his family, especially his four grandsons: James (Ikram) Mansfield of Stafford, VA, Zack Emond of Wolcott, Todd Emond of Wolcott and Cameron Emond of Wolcott and his favorite granddaughter: Olivia Emond of Monon. Stoker had two step-grandchildren Tyler and Emily Amato of Lafayette and six great-grandchildren: Abby, Brock, Dean, Leyla, Adam and Mia.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Donald and Marvin.
Friends may call from 4-8 PM (EST) Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Foster-Clapper Funeral Home of Wolcott. Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. EST (10:00 a.m. CST) Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church (421 S. Newton St. Goodland, IN 47948); Fr. Joshua Bennett to officiate. Interment to follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery of Remington.
Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.
