St. Clair County Obits

GEORGE F. ELLIS

George Frederick Ellis, the son of Clyde and Lotta (Piepmeier) Ellis was born on July 11, 1912 in Bates County, Missouri. Mr. Ellis passed away at University Hospital on February 2, 2003 in Columbia, Missouri at the age of 90 years. George lived nearly all of his life in the Appleton City, Missouri area where he farmed to provide for his family. He owned and operated the school buses from 1936 through 1940, which was the first time that school buses were used in the school system. He owned Ellis Plumbing and Heating from 1950 to 1970. George was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows Lodge, First Christian Church and a lifetime member of Montrose VFW Post 8820. Mr. Ellis served his country in the Army during World War II where he served in the 982 Engineers Maintenance Company where he was attached to General Patton’s Army. He was united in marriage to Zelpha N. Hyde on October 2, 1936 in Sedalia, Missouri, and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 2, 1986. To this union one daughter was born. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Zelpha of the home; daughter Linda and husband Mike Gilbert of Columbia, Missouri; granddaughter Kimberly and husband Matthew Roney of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; grandson Kristopher Gilbert of Columbia, Missouri; great-grandson Quintin Roney; two brothers, C.W. and Helen Ellis of Appleton City, Missouri and Wade and Elsie Ellis of Corona del Mar, California; one sister Louanna and husband Marlin Robinson of Wilson, Kansas; several nieces, nephews and friends.