Craig V. Emahiser

Craig V. Emahiser, 74, a well-known and respected law enforcement officer of Ottawa County, Ohio, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, in his home. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, and was a 1967 graduate of Central Catholic High School. After graduation, Craig entered the US Air Force as a military police officer and served overseas in Libya during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1971 as a staff sergeant, then joined the Genoa Police Department. In 1979, Craig was hired as Clay Township police chief, where he served until 1992 when he was elected as sheriff of Ottawa County, a post he held until his retirement in 2004. He was also a member of the Clay-Genoa Volunteer Fire Department for several years. During his tenure as Sheriff, Craig spearheaded improvements which included the establishment of the K-9 unit and water rescue program. Not one to be idle, he moved on to become the manager of Safety and Security at Saint Anne’s Hospital in Toledo, Ohio.

Craig and his wife, Theresa, enjoyed working for the National Park Service for 13 years. They started this adventure at the Grand Canyon, the Great Smoky Mountains, Maricopa County parks in Arizona, Avon Military Base, Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

Craig and Theresa loved taking their grandchildren exploring the beauty of the United States. Craig enjoyed unwavering devotion to the Ohio State Buckeyes and supporting all things that involve law enforcement, always backing the thin blue line.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Theresa Mourray, whom he married at Zion Lutheran Church, Latcha, Ohio, on June 17, 1983, son Ryan (Brittney) Emahiser, daughters Malinda “Mindy” (Sean) Fielding, Michelle Emahiser, Tiffany Emahiser, and Kristen (Derek) Pratt, 14 cherished grandchildren, and sister Sheryl (David) Fielding, Kim Jones, Kelli Emahiser, and Kevin (Jackie) Emahiser, and his beloved dog Winston, along with many friends and acquaintances made in a lifetime of service. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Rita (Wotring) Emahiser, and brother Tom (Anna) Emahiser.

Everyone is invited to visit with Craig’s family from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa, Ohio. A funeral service for Craig will be conducted at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1213 Washington St., Genoa, followed by interment in Clay Township Cemetery Genoa, Ohio. His dedication to law enforcement and community service will be honored by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s office and the Allen-Clay Joint Fire District, with graveside services.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Craig’s memory are asked to consider, Wreaths Across America, Ottawa County, 8444 W. St. Rt. 163, Suite 102, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449, the Ottawa County Sheriff K-9 Division, 315 Madison St., Suite 110, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 or The Allen-Clay Joint Fire District, #36, 101 E. 6th St., Genoa, Ohio 43430. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.