Emile E. Baptiste of Clayton on Friday, October 16, 2020. Age 88. Husband of the late Billie L. Baptiste (nee Jones). Father of Steven Baptiste and his wife Eileen of Sicklerville and the late Philip Baptiste and his surviving wife Sandra of Phoenix, Arizona. Grandfather of Kevin Baptiste, wife Mallory, of Swedesboro; Michael Baptiste, wife Kelly, of Audubon; and Derek Baptiste of Phoenix. Brother of Alberta Stadler, late husband Thomas, of Pitman and Lillian DeMarco, husband William, of Franklinville. Great-grandfather of Brayden Baptiste and Emma Baptiste. Also survived by his longtime companion Margie Kiefer. Son of the late Emile A. and Lillian May (nee Shields) Baptiste and his step-mom Eleanor Baptiste.
Born in Barrington, Emile was a lifelong resident of Clayton. He graduated in 1950 from Clayton High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country during the Korean War as an Airman First Class. It was during his time in the Air Force he met his later wife Billie. Emile returned home to work with his father and step-mother in the family business, Emile A. Baptiste, Inc., a wholesale flower grower. They grew carnations and were known as the best in South Jersey. When the oil crisis of the 1980’s hit and the greenhouse struggled, Emile began working for Columbia Records, later Sony Music Entertainment, as a Stationary Engineer/Plant Operator until his retirement in the late 1990’s.
Emile was a hardworking man who loved anything outside, especially gardening. He was meticulous about his yard, and anyone who passed his corner property would take note of how immaculate the flowers and grass were kept. Emile enjoyed watching the hummingbirds that his flowers and feeders would attract. He truly loved Clayton and wouldn’t think of ever leaving it. After the death of his wife, Emile met Margie Kiefer who was his companion for 20 years. Together they cruised Alaska, vacationed in Italy and Las Vegas, and went dancing every Friday night. Spending time with his family was always important to him.
Relatives and friends are invited to a graveside service on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 11:00 AM at New Saint Marys Cemetery, 515 W. Browning Road, Bellmawr, NJ 08031. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.
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