Gary R. Emlet

2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Gary Ray Emlet, age 79, of Carlisle, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 11, 2026. He peacefully slept away into the arms of Jesus, leaving this earthly home to his eternal home in heaven.

He was born in Carlisle, PA to the late Victor J. Emlet, Sr. and Edith Pauline Emlet.

Gary loved the Lord with all his heart, and his desire was to share the gospel of Jesus with whomever he met. He loved working outdoors building sheds, fences, tree houses, and cozy spaces to gather. He loved a good coffee shop and talking sports, politics, and the Bible.

He worked at the Carlisle Paper Box Company, P.R. Hoffman Crystal Plant, Engelhard Industries in Newark, NJ, and then retired from Kinney Shoe and Foot Locker after working there for 42 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Emlet; son, Joshua Emlet (Ashley); step-sons, Jason Carroll and Matthew Carroll (Angela). Grandchildren: Josiah Emlet, Ryan Carroll, Micah Carroll, Judah Carroll, Isaiah Carroll. They were the apple of his eye.

Preceded in death by one brother, Victor Emlet, Jr., and survived by two brothers, Roger Emlet and David Emlet (Joan); and three sisters, Barbara Foote, Linda Heller, and Beverly Arnold (Stan).

A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 11am at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, 2020 W. Trindle Rd. Carlisle, PA 17013, with a viewing from 10am until the time of the service. Burial will immediately follow at Westminster Cemetery, 1159 Newville Road, Carlisle, PA. 

Everyone is invited to CEFC Church on 290 Petersburg Road, Carlisle, for a luncheon following interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Homeland at Home Hospice.