Robert Inwood Emmons, “Bob” to all who knew him, “Mr. E.” to his students and fellow teachers, and “Dad” or “Poppa” to all who loved him, was born in Portland, Oregon, on August 30, 1941. He left peacefully in the early morning hours on November 19, 2024. As the son of Harold and Margaret Emmons, he grew up in Oswego where his childhood was spent with his older brother, Art, doing what most boys grow up doing…having fun. From a young age, Bob was curious and wanted to learn all that he could. He attended Saint Martin’s University in Washington where he was a member of the men’s acapella choir and the track team. He found his passion in the field of science, studying astronomy and earning degrees in Physics, Philosophy, Chemistry, and Biology.
His love of learning led to his love of teaching. On a warm summer day in 1967, he hopped in his Austin-Healey and headed east from Oregon to Hysham, Montana, to start his teaching career. In the halls and classrooms of Hysham High School, he shared his passion for learning with every student who was fortunate enough to call him Mr. E. The number of stories that could be told about seining trips to the Yellowstone River and the irrigation ditches surrounding Hysham would be plentiful, along with the lab experiments and the stench of formaldehyde. Mr. E will be remembered for pushing his science students to be the very best. He hosted some of the most competitive science fairs in Montana. His students went on to compete at both the state and national levels, winning numerous awards. His students’ accolades, along with the fish, insects, bugs, rocks, snakes, spiders, and even a pet skunk, all a part of his living collection, were always something he liked to talk about.
It was in these school hallways that Bob met his match, his wife of 55 years, Cathy Ann. We’ve heard the stories of him walking the streets of Hysham strumming his banjo, singing, while he talked himself into some stew for supper. Bob and Cathy raised their family in Hysham while teaching together for well over 40 years, and as a coach, he was on the sidelines for basketball, football, and track for 45. Bob loved the small-town life and was involved in many community activities. Throughout the years, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the ambulance crew; he enjoyed singing in the community choir and for one day a week he could be found square dancing. He loved making people smile, and he made the absolute best Santa for many years. Bob was also a proud member of the Hysham Lion’s Club and could be found in the park on the 4th of July helping man the BBQ feed.
Bob could often be found doing something, anything really, with one of his girls. He was a great dad and taught his girls the love of the outdoors and various activities. He took the time to take his family camping and fishing, he stepped into coaching positions, and made sure his girls could take care of a vehicle before they could drive. The summers spent on the Knapp farm in Melstone were some of the most memorable. Many weeks were spent back on the Oregon Coast deep sea fishing, walking the beach looking for shells, and swimming in the tide pools from morning until night. He spent endless hours working on his personal collection of classic cars and pickups and shared that wisdom with his daughter Kimber, and eventually his grandsons Chi, Chance, and Cale.
Bob’s favorite name was Poppa. His love for his grandchildren was unmatched. He was always so proud to share stories and happenings in the lives of the eleven kids that called him Poppa and was even more proud when he became a Great-Poppa to five more. Poppa and Grammy helped raise three of these grandkids in the house they called home, and having such a significant role in the lives of his grandkids was so incredibly special to him. Poppa, Chi, and Chance made quite the trio picking out fireworks and setting them off every 4th of July. Camping, fishing, and tinkering on cars were always on the to-do list. Those two boys even talked him into letting them drive his precious Healey! Faith and Poppa’s time in the discus ring, trips to the Friendly Corner for fudgesicles, and weekend pancake buffets were always a favorite way to spend time together. Kenna held a special place in her Poppa’s heart as she shared a birthday with him, and he was the first person to hold her after she was born. Cale was Poppa’s right hand man as he grew up and spent every summer he could in Hysham by his side. When Kensi, Caty, and Karlee joined the family, he and Grammy met them at the airport with love and hugs. Visits from Tehya, Kimi, and Mark were always something Poppa looked forward to. Time spent telling stories, playing, or simple moments of quiet connection were cherished.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Harold and Margaret, an infant son, an infant daughter, his granddaughter Kenna, grandson Cale, and granddaughter Caty.
Learning to live life without him are his wife Cathy Ann, daughters Heather (Jason) Lovshin, Kimber (Brett) Emmons, Hilaree (Joe) Emmons, and the daughter of his heart Anna Humphris; his grandchildren Faith (Stephan) Burns and their children Madelon and MacKenna, Chance Robert (Lisa) Keck, Malachi Inwood (Savannah) Emmons and their children Bennett Robert and Briggs; Kensi and Karlee Emmons; Tehya (Tuff) White Mountain and their son, Walker; Kimimila (Nano), and Wawokiya “Mark” White Mountain, and Milo and Isabella Humphris. He is also survived by his older brother, Art Emmons, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Bob/Mr. E/Poppa lived a full life. He will be remembered for so many things: his fancy ties, his sneezes, his sense of humor, his comb-over hidden under his fishing hat, and his love for an ice-cold Pepsi. He knew loss so he knew just how precious life really is. His legacy will endure as the knowledge he shared will continue to be shared with those that come after.
Poppa, you are missed beyond measure and loved beyond words.
Our family would like to express a very special thank you to The Springs at Butte where Poppa lived during the last year; he was well loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the family’s foundation Heads Up Hearts Strong would be welcome.
Ginger says
Kimber and family–
I’ve said this many, many times to my friends that have lost parents–especially dads (mine gained his wings in 1997)–no matter how old we are, no matter the circumstance, losing your dad tears a hole in your heart bigger than the universe. Hold close all the memories you shared….and imagine that Homecoming with him and his grandbabies…all the loves, hugs, kisses and sharing happening right now…
My sincerest sympathies and prayers for comfort for you and yours coming in loving abundance,
GBird
janiece adams says
Mr. E will always be remembered driving around town in his little green car waving at everyone. Stopping by if he saw you out and about for a short visit. He was my favorite high school teacher for sure.
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, if there’s anything I can do for you just let me know
Krista Fjelstad Montague says
Thinking of you, Emmons family. I have many fond memories of Mr. E. From riding in the suburban to countless softball games, or on the bus to endless track meets, hours of learning in the science room (and the ongoing mystery of the closet in the back), or going out to Seine fish. I am so grateful for the time and dedication he gave to us all. His legacy will live on the MANY lives he impacted. Rest in peace Mr. E. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to help raise the youth of our small town for so long. We will hold onto the lessons and memories you gifted us.
Diana Elwood says
I’m so very sorry for your loss, may God give you comfort and peace.
Peggy Deveny says
The Emmon’s family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
He was a formable Pinochle player and wouldn’t let you have the bid, even if the bid was sky high.
Sometimes he made the bid.
Subbing for him in Science was a challenge because all the lesson plans and information, he kept
in his head. So the class would turn into study hall.
He will be greatly missed and please know that you and your families are in our hearts and prayers.
Kirsten (Belgarde) Crocker says
Cathy, Heather, Kimber, Hiliary and families, The lessons your dad taught you, the love he gave, the way he cared for people…all those good things live in you. Mr. E will be dearly missed. So many good memories.
Sue (Arvik) Gallo says
Mrs. E., Heather, Kimber, Hillary and families,
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
I have many fond memories of my time growing up in Hysham. Mr. E. Was in the middle of a lot of them. I remember him reffing our junior high basketball games, coaching track and mostly teaching us so much about science. I had told him but wanted you to know too that when I went to college my first year of science classes where basically all a review of everything he had already taught me. No one there had done as much dissecting as me (many of them had not done any), no one had build as many pulley systems or done as many chemistry experiments. He and the other faculty members at Hysham High in those days were truly educating us to succeed in the classroom and in life. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Judy Hayworth says
I send my love and my prayers and a huge hug.
May you have God’s comfort and peace. Love to all, Judy Hayworth
Kim Bement Knobloch says
Kimber and Family,
Sending prayers to you all!
Anna (Melin) Humphris says
What a man! What an extraordinary man! Tears and smiles appear on my face as I recall fond memories and learn about Bob’s earlier life.
Losing someone we love is painful and difficult and I feel so much compassion for Cathy, Kimber, Hilaree, Heather and everyone close to him. In the midst of the sadness I also feel incredibly grateful and fortunate to have been able to call this remarkable man Bob, Mr E and Dad.
Bob and Cathy generously opened their home so that I could join their family for a year as a foreign exchange student. Fast forward 29 years and I still feel part of their family and that is such a testimony to the Emmons family.
To me Bob was humble, kind, generous, encouraging, thoughtful, open, intelligent, funny and fascinating.
As I play an internal film of memories, images of Mr E explaining how to carefully disect a piglet, a frog and a sheep brain are very vivid.
And even more vivid are his big sneezes making me jump every time.
And something I will never forget is when he decided to believe in me and going out of his way to teach me to learn the hurdles as that was the only chance I could make it to state as there were usually so few girls competing in it. Thank you for believing!
As I reflect on Bob, Dad, Mr E it inspires me to be as non judgemental and humble as he was.
Thank you for everything!
Lots and lots of love
xx your bonus daughter Anna
LeeAnn (Hedges) Vettleson says
Mrs. E., Heather, Kimber, Hillary.
Mr. E gave to me the love of science! His approach to teaching made it so easy to learn whether it was the study of physics, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, earth science or whatever the topic. So many group memories and he made it fun to learn. To this day I would tell my kids about the experiences in his classroom and in track. I was blessed to have him and Mrs E as my teachers!! All my love to all of you!
Vicki Hert says
Mrs. E and all of Mr. E’s family. I cannot begin to put down all of my thoughts and memories of both Mr and Mrs E . Mostly, he was so very kind and caring towards me as a student at a time that I really needed that! He was funny, goofy, sneezy and encouraging. What an impact he had on some many people. I wish you all comfort in your sadness. You are in my prayers.
Domonick Crow says
Mr. E was one of a kind. Perhaps my favorite substitute teacher for Science. He always did something to make me or the class burst of laughter. He will always be remembered. The hole in the science room will be a historic mark from his days of teaching when he threw a ruler at a student for not paying attention lol. Rip Mr E