Gary Ellis

Gary Ellis, 82, a lifelong Parsons resident, died at 8:47 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, at his home. He had been in failing health and passed just three months after the death of his wife, Merleen.

He was born Dec. 11, 1939, in Parsons to Osborn K. and Lucille (Blair) Ellis. He attended local schools and graduated in 1957 from Parsons High School, where he was a member of the well known vocal group the Polychromes. He also attended Parsons Junior College.

Gary served on active duty with the United States Army and later served many years in the Army Reserves, retiring in 1999 as master sergeant.

The Ellis family painting contractors were well known for decades in the Parsons area for their expertise in improving the condition and appearance of countless buildings and houses. Gary, his father and uncles all were involved at different times in this business area. Gary continued in this business until he retired.

On Oct. 6, 1962, he married Merleen Westhoff at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. They had been married 59 years at the time of her passing on Nov. 20, 2021.

Gary was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a 59-year member of the Elks Lodge.

Survivors are three children, Kenneth Ellis of Parsons, Jennifer Porras of Parsons and Brenda Bevins of Muncie, Indiana; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Carol Sue Lavin of Olathe and Jennifer Phillips of Frisco, Texas. 

Besides his wife and parents he was preceded in death recently by a granddaughter, Hailey Rainey.

The service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Carson-Wall Funeral Home with the Rev. Curtis Robertson officiating. The Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, V.F.W., will offer a flag presentation. The service will conclude at the funeral home and burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. 

The rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with visitation continuing until 8 p.m. 

Memorials are suggested to either the St. Patrick Church renovation fund or the V.F.W. in Parsons. These may be left at or sent to the funeral home at P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS, 67357. 

Online messages may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.