Emerson Clayton Erb Jr., 86, Wabash, died at 6:18 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at Miller’s Merry Manor East in Wabash.

He was born Aug. 8, 1928, in Wabash, to Emerson Sr. and Leah (Figert) Erb. Emerson was a 1946 graduate of Wabash High School, and received his BA, MBA, and DBA, from Indiana University School of Business. He was a US Army veteran during the occupation of Japan. He married Martha Alice Lamm at the Wabash Christian Church on Feb. 25, 1951.

Emerson started teaching at Indiana University while studying for his masters and doctorate degrees. He was also a certified public accountant. He taught mostly business subjects and trained hundreds to be CPAs. Emerson taught 38 years in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, California and overseas two years. He finished his career as an accounting professor at Cal State Bakersfield, retiring in 1991. He was a member of the Wabash Christian Church, the Wabash Kiwanis Club and was an Eagle Scout and Scout master for four different troops.

Emerson spent many summers traveling in a motorhome with his family. No matter where they went, they were always active in church, church choirs, boy scouting and making many new friends. He moved back to Wabash after retirement from 1991 to 1997, and then back in 2005.

He is survived by his wife: Martha Erb, Wabash; four children, Raymond (Joan) Erb, Lake Isabella, Calif.; Roland Erb, Wabash; Mary Smith, Washington; and Nancy Canales, Wabash; three brothers: John Erb, Wabash; David (Kathy) Erb, Anderson; and Bob (Marlene) Erb, Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: James Erb; and one great-grandson.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 4, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Rev. Melinda Kammerer officiating. Entombment will be in the Chapel of Remembrance Mausoleum at Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 3 at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Wabash Christian Church.