John Arthur Ellis, 65, died Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, Colo.
Mr. Ellis was born June 12, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Kenneth and Betty (Moyer) Ellis. John grew up in the Youngstown, Ohio, area and graduated from Mathews High School in 1966. After high school, John entered into the U.S. Army and went to Vietnam. He served in the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Air Force Reserves and the Coastguard.
In 1967, while on leave, he met his future wife, Marcella, in Fowler, Ohio. In 1969, John and Marcella married. He worked various jobs until he found a lifelong career in truck driving. He drove various rigs all over the United States and Canada. He always enjoyed his travels through Colorado.
Mr. Ellis enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He enjoyed watching golf and football on television. He was a life member of the North American Hunting Club, the NRA and was a past member of the VFW in Johnson, Ohio, and of the American Legion.
He is survived by Marcella Ellis (wife) of Pagosa Springs; Tammy Boen (daughter) of Pagosa Springs; Kenneth Ellis (son) of Parker, Ariz.; Rodney Ellis (son) of Pagosa Springs; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild; Charles Ellis (brother) of Sharpsville, Pa.; and Carol Laberto (sister) of Youngstown, Ohio.
A private scattering of ashes will take place at a later date.
A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, June 30, 2013, at 4 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church. Pastor Don Ford will officiate. Local Pagosa veterans will honor Mr. Ellis’ military service and there will be a luncheon following the memorial service. Please bring a side dish to share.
