Emory Van Sickle

Emory D. Van Sickle, 75, died from complications of Sepsis Shock on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Mercy Hospital Critical Care Unit. Direct cremation was handled by Hamilton’s Funeral Home and a Celebration of Life will be held on December 11, 2016 from 1 – 5 pm at the American Legion at 1511 South Union St., Des Moines, Iowa, 50316, with an open jam for his fellow musicians.

Emory was born on December 13, 1940 in Des Moines, Iowa to Melvin and Berniece (Fraaken) Van Sickle, where he lived all of his life. He was a drummer for over 50 years, built houses and worked on cars. He enjoyed watching horseraces, NASCAR, loved playing drums and his children and grandchildren where the highlight of his life. He would do anything for them. He spent many years traveling on vacation all over different states with his family. He was one of the most wonderful people you could ever hope to meet and had a a heart of gold. Emory was like a father to his four grandkids, Junior, Nick, Shyere, and Shakarian and always brightened up when Dylan called or came over. He was a man that could do anything from sewing, cooking, and cleaning, to working on cars, remodeling or building anything that needed to be built or fixed.

Emory is survived by his two daughters, Brenda Brown of Hartford and Brandy Jean of Des Moines; his two sons, Mike of Carlisle and Jack Daniels of Cape Coral, FL; his partner of 12 years, Diane Kinney; a brother, Butch of Des Moines; two step-children; and a host of family and friends.

Emory will join in Heaven his mother, Berniece, his father, Melvin, two sisters, Shirley Rena, and Donna Reed, his ex-wife and friend Diane (Porter), along with many family, friends, and fellow band members that too have passed from this earth. He was also preceded in death by his uncles Fred, Ray, and Johnny, and his aunts Bessie, Mary, Violet and Selma.

Drumming was his passion and when he went ill in 2012, his life changed and he was not able to do what he loved like he used to. He looked forward each day to talking to his sons and having his daughter check up on him. He was the best father, friend and partner anyone could ask for and will be greatly missed. There’s been a permanent void in his kids and grandchildren’s lives that can never be replaced. Please keep all those that are grieving for this great man, in your thoughts and prayers. Pleas also join the family to Celebrate and Remember this great man’s life who has moved on to be the “Drummer in the sky.”

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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