Joe Ellis

Joe Ellis, age 91 of Purcell, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025. Joseph Paul Ellis was born July 23, 1933 in Possum Trot, Kansas, the youngest of three children born to Charlie M. Ellis and Bernice (Allen) Ellis. He spent his early years in Hewins, Kansas where he started school, and later in Cedar Vale, graduating with the Class of 1951. Joe met the love of his life, Marilyn Louise Wilkinson, and their first date was at a baseball game, and they were married on May 17, 1959 in Cedar Vale. Both avid sports fans, they spent part of their honeymoon also at a baseball game, because if you get a chance to watch the Yankees play the Cardinals, you have to go. And this would begin a beautiful love story as they began life together. By 1961, they had settled in Purcell where they raised two children, Ronnie and Pam. Joe’s work ethic was second to none. He worked for AT & SF Railroad, while simultaneously moonlighting as a mail carrier, eventually retiring from both careers after more than 20 years. The Railroad was in his blood, and he continued to manage and care for the Depot Hill Station in Purcell for many years. In retirement, he started his own lawn care business and managed that until 2016. He was a man of great faith, and a longtime member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Purcell. There, he served in various capacities from Door Greeter, Board of Trustees and various other committees. Joe and Marilyn enjoyed traveling, and were blessed to see much. Joe was an avid supporter of Purcell Dragons Athletics and attended 346 Dragon football games and many basketball games, too many to count throughout the years. And when given the chance, he would trade his Dragon Red in for Jayhawk Blue as they traveled the United States supporting the Kansas Jayhawk basketball team. Joe cherished Marilyn, his children and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: his wife, Marilyn Ellis; son Ronnie Ellis; parents, Charlie and Blanche Ellis and sisters, Charlene Smith and Dolores Garrison. Joe is survived by: his daughter, Pam Ellis Hobbs and husband John of Purcell; 3 granddaughters, Julie Wood Scroggins and husband Randy of Pauls Valley, Haleigh Wood of Purcell and Brylie Hobbs of Purcell; 3 great grandchildren, Kadie, Sydnee and Adaline, and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Friday, January 17, 2024, at Little’s Chapel. Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery. www.wilsonlittle.com.

Joe Ellis

July 23, 1933 - January 12, 2025