Q & A with Emmitt Watson

Q: How long have you been with the Neptune Society?

A: "I'll be 54 soon, so...23 years."

Q: Why did you take this job and what does it entail?

A: He said, "Survival", plain and simple. He began working with three other men on the restoration of the outside of the Columbarium. One day, the owner approached him and asked Emmitt, if he'd work like a job. Emmitt had no idea was the job was, but he said "yes" anyways. It wasn't until later that he found out what the building was for and that the dead inhabited it.

Q: Why wasn't the Columbarium demolished along with the rest of Odd Fellows Cemetery?

A: "It was saved by the Homestead Act of 1934, so they (demolishers) couldn't touch it."

Q: Do you have a favorite place at the Columbarium?

A: "Every spot is my favorite."

Q: What's one memory you have from working here?

A: For the record Emmitt has many funny memories from working at The Columbarium. My personal favorite was when he described being frightened by a

motion censored Santa Claus placed next to an urn in the Notus room. He said after recovering from his heart attack, he proceeded to trick other staff members into walking past the Santa and scaring the crap out of them. Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: Emmitt very much enjoys the relatives of the deceased who come to visit. He thinks of the residents and their relatives as his own family. When he talks about his family at the columbarium he speaks with warmth and love. He also enjoys making his folks laugh and he definitely knows how to keep his tour groups in stitches.

Emmitt: "No other cemetery will make you laugh like this one."

(He is extremely lively and entertaining,Despite the seriousness of this photo.)