Obituaries

On a warm summer afternoon, a beautiful soul took his last breath and entered into eternity with his Lord and Savior. Emery Allen Galiger had made his way home.

Emery, affectionately known by everyone as “Zeke,” was born on January 30, 1965, in Passaic, NJ. He was the son of Michael Otto Galiger (Rose) and Barbara Falat Galiger, all of Guilford, CT.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Stone Barrow Galiger; his daughter, Hannah Galiger Fackler (Tracey); his son, Nathaniel “Nathan” Galiger; and the mother of his children, Lisa G. Wagoner. He is also survived by his brother, Michael Galiger (Alison) of Raleigh, NC; and two sisters, Geralyn Galiger Miller of Ohio and Monica Galiger of Guilford, CT.

Through his marriage to Jane, Zeke also gained four children: Catherine Thomas (Kenneth) of Ridgeway, Stephanie Boyle (William) of Bassett, Robert Barrow of Collinsville, and Andrew Barrow of Bassett. He leaves behind seven step-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Zeke was born in New Jersey, and his family moved to Virginia when he was five years old. He attended Martinsville High School but left after being caught smoking in the bathroom. He earned his GED before his classmates graduated that spring. At 18, he struck out on his own and began working.

He held several jobs in the corrugated paper industry, working for Stone Container, Multi-Wall, and Rock Tenn. He also installed satellite systems and worked in construction. His measurements and woodcutting skills were legendary.

Zeke was the proud owner and operator of Water Worx Pressure Washing. He took great pride in his work, pressure washing decks, homes, and over 5,000 trucks.

He was a devoted father to two beautiful children whom he loved with all his heart. He cherished taking them go-karting and fishing. His children were the song in his heart that kept him going, and his love for them knew no bounds.

Zeke was also a stepfather to four. Although he entered their lives when they were adults and did not have a traditional stepfather-child relationship, he became simply "Zeke" to them—bringing joy, laughter, and love into their hearts.

He was raised in the Catholic faith and, later in life, accepted Jesus as his Lord and personal Savior. He was baptized and became a member of Fort Trial Baptist Church.

Zeke carried music with him throughout his life. From singing and playing the drums to always having the radio on, music surrounded him—and us. We will miss his voice, his drums, his songs, and most of all, we will miss him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 28th at 12:00 p.m. at Bassett Funeral Service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.