03/17/2026
John Embry passed away Sunday March 15, 2026 at Hardin County Hospital in Rosiclare, IL.
Born to Jerry Embry and Marda (Embry) Meyers, John spent his early years perfecting the art of "marching to his own drum"—a drum he likely played loudly and slightly off-beat just to keep everyone on their toes. A proud Navy veteran, John eventually traded the high seas for the high roofs, developing a roofing trade he was very proud of. He also spent years on the water, working everything from line boats to the ferry. If it floated and had a motor, John was happy; if it stayed still long enough for him to fix it, he was useful.
If you knew John in his prime, you knew two things: he always had a massive grin, and he was a dedicated legend of the local bar scene. He took his "career" as a patron of the Etown Tap far more seriously than most people take their 9-to-5s. He was a master of the pool table and a scholar of hops and barley, though in his later years, he surprisingly traded his favorite barstool for the much more demanding roles of Dad and Grandpa. His three children and two grandsons were his entire world.
In 2024, cancer tried to dim his light. He spent a year trekking to St. Louis, enduring surgeries that would have broken a lesser man. But John? He just shrugged and said he was "doing as good as expected." Cancer took his voice and his strength, but it never touched his grin. One of his final notes summed it up perfectly: ”It’s been a good life, but it’s time to go.”
A few weeks before the end, John made sure his soul was right and accepted Jesus as his Savior. He’s now reunited with his father, Jerry, and a few "good-timing" friends who were undoubtedly waiting for him with a fresh deck of cards and a hug.
John was reunited with his loved ones that had gone on before him. No doubt his father and all his aunts and uncles were glad to see him again.
John leaves behind a legacy of laughter and a very specific wardrobe: his mother, who Marda Meyers; his children, Skylar Warren, Christina Embry and Megan (Allen) Hohimer; his grandsons, Bryce and Eli Hohimer; his brother, JD Embry and sisters, Eva (Darrell) Winters and Lucy Winters.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, April 4th at 6pm at the riverfront in Cave-In-Rock. In true John fashion, formal attire is strictly discouraged. If you show up in a suit, you’re in the wrong place. Please wear your finest pocket tee, a ball cap, and your best jeans—complete with a fancy pocket bandana.
He wouldn’t want a moment of silence; he’d want the sound of the river, a few tall tales, and everyone realizing that while he’s gone, our memories of him are forever.
Hardin County Funeral Services in Rosiclare, IL is in charge of arrangements.
