Elwood J. Ellis

Elwood James Ellis passed away on January 4, 2018, just two days before his 96th birthday. He was born in Bismarck, Illinois, on January 6, 1922, to John Pascal and Effie Mae (Briggs) Ellis. Elwood graduated from Bismarck High School and served in the army during World War II. He was awarded three bronze stars for his participation in campaigns in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Luzon. Elwood served as the postmaster in Bismarck for 25 years. He was an original member of the Bismarck Lions Club and for a few years owned and operated "El's Place" in Bismarck. After retiring from the post office he worked for a little over ten years at Royalty Beauty Supply in Danville as a salesman and warehouse manager. Elwood had a good sense of humor and enjoyed playing harmless pranks. He also enjoyed playing cards (especially euchre and poker), working in his yard and tending his flower gardens, and watching birds. He was an excellent dancer and enjoyed watching Dancing with the Stars and ice skating on television. He followed the Chicago Cubs and Illini basketball. Those who knew him did not call or stop by when "The Bold and the Beautiful" was on. Over the years Elwood liked meeting his buddies regularly for coffee, originally at the Mayfair, then at Arnholt's, and finally at Schroeder's. Elwood is survived by four of his children: Gay Seidler of Florida; Penny McConnell (Mike Denhart) of Catlin; L. Scott Ellis (Kent Johnson) of Texas; and Toby Ellis of Catlin. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Shaun (Nancy) Trosper of Catlin; Traci Swanson, and Stephani, Brett, and Brad Seidler, all of Florida; and Paige (Danny) Byrom and Morgan McConnell of Catlin; 2 step grandchildren, Kevin Holley of Danville and Tina (Les) McDonald of Oakwood; 11 great-grandchildren with 1 expected in February; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Elwood was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Wendal (Esther) Ellis; a twin sister Eleanor Jane (Harry) Golden; and his beloved daughter, Darlene (Gary) Forret. The family would like to thank Bruce for being such a good friend and neighbor, Dr. Sodhi and his staff for helping to keep Elwood healthy for the last two decades, and the many caregivers at Presence United Samaritans Medical Center, Colonial Manor, and the Villas of Gardenview Manor who provided Elwood such excellent and loving care over the last four months. A celebration of Elwood's life will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville on Monday, January 8, 2018 at 2PM with Pastor Jim Blue officiating. Visitation will be held from 12-2PM prior to the service. Military Rites will follow the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans or a charity of one's choice. Please join Elwood's family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Visitation Jan 8, 2018 Monday, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion st Danville, Il 61834 Service Jan 8, 2018 Monday, 2:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion st Danville, Il 61834 Final Resting Place Sunset Memorial Park 3901 N. Vermilion Street Danville, IL 61834