Dr. Emil Louis Oexman
Doctor, Civic Leader, and friend to all
Dr. Emil Louis Oexman, son of William Carl Henry Oexman and Eula Cooper, was born April 6, 1924, in Sarcoxie, MO. Emil left Carthage High School to serve during World War II with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific theater, including a combat tour aboard the carrier U.S.S. Yorktown before returning to his hometown to finish high school.
A graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College, Dr. Oexman began the practice of his profession in 1950 in Carthage. He served on the Missouri State Chiropractic Association for many years, including Secretary for two terms, 1 st Vice President for two terms, and President for one term. He was a member of their Board of Directors for two terms, and Chairman of the Practice Assistance Program for six years. During this time, he was awarded the Missouri Chiropractor of the Year.
Dr. Oexman was dedicated to his community, serving in many important roles throughout the town. These included being a member of the Carthage City Council; President of the Carthage Board of Public Works, Elder and Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church; Carthage-Ozark Presbytery Men’s Council President; Principal founder of the Carthage and Sarcoxie Layman’s Pre-Christmas Services; President of the Carthage Toastmasters Club of which he was awarded Toastmaster of the Year in 1965; President of the Carthage Sportsman’s League where he led efforts to develop an extensive fish-stocking program and lighting and landscaping improvements at Kellogg Lake Park; Honorary Colonel for Carthage Senior High School ROTC as well as a recipient of service awards from the football and music teams; Served two terms as Maple Leaf parade Chairman; a member of the Wings of Music Volunteer band and Flying Rifles Drill Team; Founding Chairman of the Jasper County Historical Society’s Genealogical Committee; and was active in local and district Boy Scouts.
A proud member of the Lions Club, Dr. Oexman served as Lions Club Director, Secretary, and President; Chairman and Cabinet Secretary of District 26-E Lions Zone; he was awarded Lion of the Year; established and chaired the Lions Club boxing program; led the Lions Club sponsored Leo Club for boys and young men; established the Carthage Citizen of the Year award; served as Sight Committee Chairman, and Easter Egg Hunt Chairman for two years.
As a testament to Dr. Oexman’s legacy, his friend Marvin VanGilder wrote: “This was his mission – to stimulate friendship, brotherhood, and love and cause goodness and kindness to grow wherever he walked.”
Dr. Oexman and his wife Halene (Ipock) raised one son and five daughters in Carthage, MO where he lived until his passing on February 10 th , 1974. He is buried in Park Cemetery in Carthage, MO.
