John Ellis

John Ellis, 93, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, June 12, 2010 in Park Village Assisted Living at Dover.A son of the late Matthew and Lillie Wannacott Clemens Ellis, John was born December 10, 1916 at “New England”, a settlement for coal miners that was owned by Reeves Manufacturing Company located near Tabor Ridge Road east of New Philadelphia.John graduated in 1934 from New Philadelphia High School and played Semi-Pro Basketball during the years of the Great Depression. He then enlisted with the United States Army on August 4, 1941. John served as Sgt. 1st Class in the European Theatre during World War II and received an honorable discharge on October 8, 1945.After returning home from the war, John married the love of his life, the former Ruth May Richard on April 14, 1946 and together the couple raised two children, John and Joan. The couple was also the longtime owners and operators of Ellis Frozen Processing, a meat market and frozen processing business located on Wabash Avenue for more than 35 years.He was a member of the First United Church of Christ at New Philadelphia where he served as a deacon and sang in the choir for many years. John was a member of the Ohio State High Patrol Auxiliary for 30 years and was also a life member of the New Philadelphia American Legion Post #139 and a member of the Tuscarawas County Senior Center. After his retirement, John served as a crossing guard for four years.In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by his son, John R. (Marylou) Ellis of Nashport; his daughter, Joan (Richard) Schwartz of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Shana (Christian Haas)Carman and Scott(Winona McCoun) Goss; step grandchildren, Chad, Jay and Rick Schwartz, Shelia Pendley, Belinda Furgiuele and Scott Summerfield; ten great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.The family will receive guests on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating John’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Jeff Gerber officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia where the New Philadelphia VFW Post #1445 will render military honors.Contributions may be made in John’s memory to the American Legion Post #139, P.O. Box 327, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to the First United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 422, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.