Corey Joseph Emerson

Corey Joseph Emerson was born to Kevin and Kathy Emerson on his father’s birthday, April 19, 1991. Corey was a fiercely loyal young man, and his goal in life was to serve our country in the U.S. Marine Corps. His maternal grandfather, T.D. Monahan, was a Marine, and his paternal grandfather, Gordon Emerson, had served in the Navy, and Corey considered it an honor to follow in their footsteps. 

Corey served four years active, two nonactive, beginning in 2012 and to say that he loved every minute of his time in the Corps is an understatement. He was stationed in San Diego for most of his service, at Camp Lejeune South Carolina, and for a short stint overseas; and he became an expert marksman. 

 Corey absolutely loved it and excelled as a Marine and should have made it a life career commitment. After serving overseas, Corey returned home to Denver and worked with his father, Kevin, in the construction industry, becoming a skilled welder and proficient quality control manager.

 He loved fitness and martial arts, and could be found many evenings on the Cherry Creek Trail riding his bike or in a local martial arts studio. 

Born in Las Vegas, Corey moved to Colorado when he was 6. Corey spent his summers in Las Vegas with his paternal grandparents. His lifelong Vegas friends and his aunts and uncles and cousins—the Emerson family members who were there in Vegas or got to visit during the summer—always loved to have him come. They played cops and robbers, kick the can and swam in Nana and Papa’s pool all day. From a young age, he loved watching Jeopardy with his Papa Emerson and Johnny Carson with his Nana. He loved exploring the desert, fishing and, later, hunting in the nearby Utah mountains. 

Corey received quite a bit of razzing when returning to Denver after his summer vacations as he was stubbornly NOT a Broncos fan. His favorite football team was the Indianapolis Colts—not because he loved them so much, but because he was a lifelong admirer of—and always loyal to—Peyton Manning, long before it was fashionable. His vintage jeep still bears the Colts logo, and he always had a Manning jersey hanging in his room. 

Corey is preceded in death by his mom, Kathy. They were great buddies; both had wicked senses of humor and would spend hours together cracking jokes and acting silly. As a child, Corey and his brother, Chris, loved TV sitcoms and movies. Corey learned from watching and trying to match Chris’s knowledge, which made him a formidable partner in games as he could recall numerous related facts. He loved his brother Chris dearly and found immense joy in spending time with Chris, his wife Cassandra, and their four children. Corey’s happiest times were spent with the large Monahan Clan, enjoying picnics in the mountains and holiday gatherings.

Until we ALL meet again Dearest Corey – SEMPER FI!!!!!