Donald Duane Ellis

Donald Duane Ellis, 91, of Elyria passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in his home, surrounded by family. He was born January 1, 1933 in Canal Fulton, OH, the oldest of 6 children of Paul “Ike” and Helen (nee Schroeder) Ellis. Duane served in the US Air Force stationed in Japan from 1948-1952.  On October 28, 1952, he married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Mary Lou.  They moved to Elyria in 1963 and lived here until their retirement in 1995 when they moved to Lakeville, OH. They renovated an old house on a lake into a beautiful home. While living in Lakeville, they were members of St Michaels Lutheran Church. In 2012, they returned to Elyria and Duane remained an active member at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and served on church council and worked on the lawn. Duane worked his entire career at the FAA in Oberlin for 33 years. He played softball for many years, many times on more than one team. He stopped playing softball when he started coaching his son in 1975. He has shared his love of sports with 3 generations teaching them how to keep score, the values of teamwork and cheering (pacing) from the sidelines.

Duane leaves behind children, Debra (Paul) Zernis of Pataskala, OH, Nancy (Robert) Givens of Pueblo, CO and Audrey (Tom) Bobek and Michael (Candace) Ellis both of Elyria; grandchildren, Missi (Darren) Langkamp, Kym (Scott) Emrick, Chad Zernis, Eric Penfound, Amy (Jeff) Palmer, Krista (Chris) Werling, Kayla (Clay) Teague, Kelsey (Mike) Shanks, Elizabeth Ellis (Colton Hess), Hannah Ellis (Tyler Dooley) and Levi Ellis; great-grandchildren Luke (Maggi), Jake (Jordyn) and Mark Langkamp, Chris Emrick, Garin Penfound, Madison Palmer, Nathan, Brooklyn and Zachary Werling, Jackson and Emmett Shanks and Hudson and Kinsley Teague; three sisters; two brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Mary Lou in 2021; his parents; brother; sister; two brothers-in-law; a sister-in-law and a great nephew.

Friends will be received Monday, October 21, 2024 from 3:00 pm until the time of a 5:00 pm service at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 360 Princeton Ave, Elyria with Reverend Tim Scholl officiating.  Burial will be Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 12:15 pm at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Rittman, Ohio 44273.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St Clair Ave Cleveland OH 44110, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 360 Princeton Ave Elyria OH 44035 or any charity of your choice.

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