John Emmett Lorett

John Emmett Lorett, 89, of Decatur, formerly of Owaneco, died at 7:54 a.m. Thursday, October 26, 2006, in Decatur Memorial Hospital.

He was born March 9, 1917, in Syracuse, New York, the son of Emmett and Mary (Cathers) Lorett. He married Melba Donaldson in 1939. He later married Irene Mercer in 1994. He farmed most of his life and worked for the railroad. He also worked for Caterpillar for 23 years and was an auctioneer for 20 years with Lorett Auction Center. He owned Mel’s Dolls & Coin Shop. He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Decatur. He was a graduate of Dale Carnegie.

Surviving are his wife, Irene; children: Donald (wife Carol) Lorett of Forsyth and Daniel (wife Kim) Lorett of Mississippi; daughter, Debi (husband Karen) Revelle of Forsyth; step-daughters; Frankie Mercer of Decatur and Vicki Mercer of Cerro Gordo; grandchildren: Vickie, Vonda, Valerie, Tina, Deeanna, David, Danny, Joey, Shelly, Brett, Curtis, John, Corey, Danny, Josh, Christina, Melissa, Jerod and Christina; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters: Mary and Irene; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; daughter Myrna Ann Lorett; son, David Lorett; grandchildren: Robi and Dustin; one great-grandchild; and sister, Virginia.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 31, in Tabernacle Baptist Church, Decatur, with Pastor Pat Pajak officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 30, in the church.

Shafer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.