Pearl Harbor survivor dies on Dec. 7

PANAMA—Emery L. Rooney of Panama survived one of the worst days in the history of our country.

The 90-year old Rooney was a Navy veteran and on the battleship USS Maryland when it was bombed at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, a day that did live in infamy.

Rooney passed away on another Dec. 7, 68 years removed from that Sunday morning when the Japanese bombed the United States forces stationed at Pearl Harbor.

The Maryland was stationed alongside other battleships along Ford Island on the morning of the attack. Inboard of USS Oklahoma and thus protected from the initial torpedo attack, Maryland managed to bring all her antiaircraft batteries into action. Despite two bomb hits she continued to fire and, after the attack, sent firefighting parties to assist her sister ships. The Japanese announced that she had been sunk, but on Dec. 30, battered yet sturdy, she entered the repair yard at Puget Sound Navy Yard.

Unlike many of his servicemen, Rooney went on to have a long life before passing away in Fort Smith on Monday, 15 days short of his 91^st birthday.

He was born Dec. 22, 1918 in Fidelity, Ar. After his tour, Rooney worked for the Civil Service before retiring.

Services are Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau with the Rev. David Nolan officiating. Internment is at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau.

Rooney is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hazel along with a sister, Johnnie Monks of Stocktown, Ca, and nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones along with many beloved friends.

He was an excellent carpenter, enjoyed fishing, hunting, listening to gospel music and building things.

Rooney was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and two brothers.

Pallbearers are Eddie Seaton, Harlan Hale, Dewayne Seaton, Randy Smith, Hayden Byrd and Ricky Darneal. Honorary pallbearer is Jim Pendergrass.

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