Clifford W. Ellis, 82, formerly of Hyannis, died Monday, November 11, 2013 at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance.
He was born on October 8, 1931 at Rushville, NE to Samuel and Ruby (Reeves) Ellis. He graduated from Cody High School. On September 8, 1949 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War. During his 3 ½ years of service he earned the Korean Service Award, the United Nations Service Medal, the Meritorious United Commendations and the Good Conduct Medal.
He married Beverly Lou Morton in Rapid City, SD on June 4, 1955 and they were blessed with four sons, Mel, Barney, Dana and Darin, and an unofficially adopted a nephew, Steve Miller.
Throughout his long life, Cliff worked on ranches and hayfields, worked as a rural mail carrier and at service stations. Most of his life he taught at various high schools. They moved to Hyannis, NE almost 50 years ago where he began to mentor and teach 2 generations of students. Those who really knew Cliff, knows a kind but firm man who never turned anyone away from his home or from extra help with their studies. To his young boys, he was solid and strong. To everyone who knew him he was strong willed, strong as a husband and father and strong in character and integrity.
He is survived by his sons, Melvern Ellis of Alliance, Barney (Wanda) Ellis of Paradise, TX, Dana (Mindy) Ellis of Leavenworth, KS and Darin (Sheila) Ellis of Callaway, and his unofficially adopted son, Steven Miller, his grandchildren, Josh Ellis, Ian Ellis, Jace Ellis, Ashton Ellis, Shallon Ellis, Adrina Ellis, Mabry Ellis, Aimee Miller, Tel Miller, Ory Miller, Trevor Ellis, Danielle Ellis, Zane Ellis and Kaden Ellis, and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Jack (Arlene) Ellis of Crawford and Ronnie Ellis of CA and his sisters, Dottie (John) Gray and Sharon Kitchen of Colorado Springs CO.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, and brothers and sister, Bob Ellis, Art Ellis, Mary Colvin, Melvern Ellis and Ben Ellis.
Funeral services will be Thursday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Hyannis with Father Coke McClure officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Hyannis Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to the Hyannis Cemetery Fund.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.