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Emry Alton, 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 6, 2010. Emry, also known affectionately to many friends and family as "Phil", was a fiercely independent, self-made man, a homespun philosopher, and an avid storyteller. He loved to relay his memories of growing up strong during the hardships of the Depression, Flying B-24 airplanes during World War II, and his many years as a salesman and businessman. He told and wrote his stories in remarkable and meticulous detail. Emry was born on March 17, 1918, in a small sawmill community of Vernon Parish, Louisiana. His early years were spent in many such communities. He came to Albuquerque in 1940 as a member of the U.S. Air Force, having put his auto mechanic skills to work repairing and keeping military airplanes in good working order. It was here that he met and married his wife, Marion. He attended flight school, became a pilot, and earned the rank of Second Lieutenant. In 1945, he was granted an honorable discharge and began a career of sales. Over the years he sold both candy and cars, taking great pride in both. After managing Gholson Bros. Wholesale Distributors, he eventually bought the company, incorporating it under the name of "Phil-Mar." He sold the business and retired in 1982. Although retired and plagued with failing eyesight, Emry continued to be as active as possible, studying genealogy, writing memoirs, and even attending and graduating from a computer school for veterans at the age of 87. He remained a dedicated, loving and caring family man to the end of his life. Emry is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marion Phillips, daughter and son-in-law Louise and Lynn Loomis, and by his grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Devon and Brynlyn Loomis. Emry was a long time member and supporter of the First Baptist Church. Service will be Saturday, September 11, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at French Lomas Chapel with a reception following at Lomas Reception Center. Interment will be Monday, September 13, 2010, 9:00 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Please visit our online guestbook for Phil at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
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