Emerson MacDonald, 93, passed away peacefully April 28, 2011 at his home in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born September 3, 1917 at Hackettstown, New Jersey, the son of Emerson C. and Grace (Petty) MacDonald. He married Gladys Naoma Glass May 29, 1941 at Winfield, Kansas. She passed away October 20, 2006. A Great Bend resident since 1947, coming from Burlington, Kansas, Mr. MacDonald was an English teacher at Great Bend High School for forty-seven years. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II. Mr. MacDonald was a member of First United Methodist Church, American Legion Argonne Post 180 where he was past commander, Barton County Retired Teachers Association, and Masonic Lodge A. F. & A. M. #15, all of Great Bend. He enjoyed gardening and yard work. Survivors include two sons: Emerson W. MacDonald and wife Sheryl, Otis, Kansas; and Gregory MacDonald and wife Mona, Hutchinson, Kansas; one daughter, Shirley Gunn and husband Doug, Weaverville, North Carolina; seven grandchildren: Tammy Larson, Tracy Shopp, Jeremy Penka, Tavis MacDonald, Brandon MacDonald, Travis MacDonald, and Hunter MacDonald; seven great-grandchildren: Allie, Jake, Jordan, Laynee, Corby, Rylee, and Karsyn. He was preceded in death by one brother, Fred MacDonald; and one step-sister, Joyce Ware. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Tom Sheldon officiating. Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery with graveside rites by Fort Riley Honor Guard and Masonic Lodge #15. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to First United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home.