2022
Samuel Eugene Ellis, 77, died in his home on Saturday, June 18, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.
Sam was born in Kokomo, IN on June 3, 1945, to Carl Ellis and Marie Burton Ellis. After graduating from Kokomo High School in 1964, Sam was drafted into the US Army, serving from 1965-1967 in Vietnam as a communications specialist. Upon his return from Vietnam he met Priscilla Elaine Klemme. They were married at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kokomo on September 28, 1968, celebrating their 53rd anniversary this past year.
Sam was a devout Catholic and member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as a 4th degree knight & purser (treasurer) for 11 years. He worked for Chrysler Corporation for over 30 years as a skilled tradesman tool-and-die maker before retiring.
Sam loved ice cream, spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains, and more than anything, his family. Sam is survived by his wife Elaine and four children: Matt (Karen) Ellis, Indianapolis; Tricia (Shawn) Wickersham, Cutler; Michael (Karen) Ellis, Bringhurst; and Luke (Ashley Johnson) Ellis, Flora.
He is survived by the following grandchildren: Logan, Alex, Jade, Lily, Piper, Makayla, Annalese, Sam, Katelynn, Quentin, Trinity, Blaise, Payton, Keegan, Mya, Addison, step-grandchildren Maizie, Reece, Saidie, and Jake, and five great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his brother Carl (Janice) Ellis, Jr.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Shirley Peele and Ella (Don) Zimla.
The Ellis Family invite friends to visit Thursday, June 23, 2022, from 11:00am to 1:00pm with Mass to begin at 1:00pm at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1204 N. Armstrong St., Kokomo, IN 46901. Father Elliot Zak will be the celebrant. Burial to follow with Carroll County Honor Guard Rites at Burlington Cemetery. Memorials may be given in Sam’s memory to Gibault Children’s Services 6401 S. US 41, Terre Haute, IN 47802.
Visit www.wheelerfamilyfuneralhome.com for online condolences. Wheeler Family Funeral Home-Baker Chapel in Flora is honored to serve the Ellis Family.
Condolences for the family 011
Ryan King
June 20, 2022 3:30 pm ·I’m saddened to hear of the loss of a great example of a man of God. Hugs and prayers to the whole Ellis family and extended family.
Your friend always,
Ryan King
al nickerson
June 20, 2022 3:40 pm ·Luke iam so sorry my thoughts and prayers are with you. give your mom an extra hug for me.
Charisma
June 20, 2022 5:44 pm ·Tricia, Elaine, and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are such a wonderful family, and I know Sam meant the world to all of you. Please know I’m thinking of you all during this time. May all of the great memories you made comfort you today and in the years to come. You were very blessed to share this lifetime with him and he will always be with you. Sending love and thoughts your way, Charisma
Sherry Rahl
June 20, 2022 8:12 pm ·Uncle Sam was the best! So funny, joyful, happy, loving, caring, always treated me as his own! I love you all and have so many wonderful memories! My heart breaks for all of you. I am lifting you all in prayers. We are here for you all! Hugs
Don Lamb
June 20, 2022 8:13 pm ·Luke, I so sorry for your loss. May Lord comfort and bestow his love and blessings on your family at this difficult time.
Pam Maloney
June 22, 2022 12:36 pm ·Elaine I was so sadden to hear of the passing of Sam. Remembering our walks in Florida, our pig noses we wore when we came down after Sam’s surgery in Indy, and the good times at the Knights of Columbus. You and your family are in prayers.
Nancy Jackson
June 22, 2022 3:11 pm ·Richard and I are so sorry for your loss. You are blessed with a big, loving family. May all of you find comfort knowing Sam has been welcomed with open arms into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Linda Butchart
June 22, 2022 7:20 pm ·Tricia, Elaine and family,
I’m very sorry for the loss of your husband, father and great representative of a good Catholic Christian man in your lives’. Prayers go out for all of you!
Misty Lawson
June 22, 2022 11:27 pm ·Mike so very sorry for your loss. Prayers to all of you.
Sharon Proctor
June 23, 2022 6:03 pm ·I am so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. Sam was a step-brother to my husband, Robert Proctor. We have lost a great family man and great person who served his country during dark times in the United States. He returned from Vietnam and met the love of his life. Elaine, may you and your family find peace and all the love to guide you through this difficult time.
Love,
Sharon Proctor
Rebecca Suzanne Hess
June 23, 2022 6:38 pm ·I am sorry to hear of the passing of Sam. He was my step brother. I know he loved his family very much and talked about his family frequently when I last saw him many years ago. My prayers to his family during this heart breaking time.
Suzanne (Proctor) Hess
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