Roger Ellis
July 21, 2011 7 Comments
Roger S. Ellis, 62 of Cleveland passed away July 20, 2011 at Research Belton Hospital.
Mr. Ellis was born December 14, 1948, son of Ella May and Vincil J. Ellis. He graduated from Cass Midway School District, and joined the Navy in 1967. In 1969, he married Patty Jo Starr. During his time in the Navy, he served in Vietnam and was released from the service in 1970. He was later united in marriage to Vicki Meador.
After his service, he worked in construction for most of his life. In his spare time he enjoyed building furniture, and riding his motorcycle, particularly to the annual rally in Sturgis, S.D. He also enjoyed fishing, especially his trips to Roaring River. He will be remembered for spending time with his friends, family, and particularly his dogs: Rosie, Sissy, Tiny and Katie; (and Possum, who had passed away previously).
Mr. Ellis was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by good friend Vicki Ellis of Raytown, Mo.; his children, Joby Jo Cotter and husband Stanley of Springfield, Mo.; Casey White and husband Josh of Peculiar, Mo.; and Lindsy Ellis of Cleveland, Mo. He also leaves behind one grandson Aaden Moles, and friend Jeff Moles.
Memorial services will be at 5 PM Monday, July 25, 2011 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel Chapel (816) 657-4400 with Rev. Ray Burhart presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Ellis’s name are suggested to the family, and may be left in care of the funeral home. Written messages and memories may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Your family will be in our thoughts, Vicki. Much love, Kim (Kooker) Keating
Our prayers are with Roger’s family and many friends. We cherish all the fun times and memories we made with Roger!! He was a HOOT!!
There will only be one “bong”! Lord have mercy on his soul. He was a good man at heart. We will miss him!
I guess I’ll never collect the $20 you owe me from the 2004 Chiefs/Raiders game…
Happy Trails Roger… You can pay me next time I see you buddy.
Miss Vicky give me a shout at johnelam@sbcglobal.net
Roger and I were neighbors and classmates for all 12 years of school. When we were 5 years old, he knocked on my door wearing his cowboy belt & pistols and took me on my first date to the circus in Kansas City. In high school, Roger excelled in sports, played the trumpet in band, and was sometimes the class clown. I have many happy memories of our growing up in Cleveland. My sympathy goes out to his family upon his passing.
Roger was a wonderful guy. I first learned of Roger through my dad’s summer baseball team…Freeman played Cleveland. My dad coached my brothers, boyfriend and friends against the Cleveland team coached by a cousin, Tuffy Lafoon, with Lyle, Tuffy’s son, Roger, Ronnie Irvin, Dale Mincks, and other great teammates! It was quite a challenge to play Cleveland. Roger and Ronnie were soon to become my classmates in eighth grade…Before that, in seventh, our first attempt at playing a basketball game led us to the Cleveland gymnasium to play Roger and Kathy’s respective teams…we had possibly two weeks of basketball under our belts…don’t know how much we were defeated, but it was a wonderfu induction to the Roger, Kathy, and Ronnie…I loved and respected my Cleveland counterparts throughout eighth and high school…the few times I got to Cleveland through my good friend, Kathy, I would look for opportunities to see the guys. I was fortunate to have spent a few dates with Roger (hosted by his mom, of course). His mom was a special person. Roger went by the nickname, Goose. He actually gave me my only nickname, Big Red. He plucked out a couple of strands of copper and white hair during math class…he did silly, memorable things. Roger helped our class survive boredom throughout school. I’ll always remember him for his sense of humor and atheletic prowess. I don’t know his family and regret I never had opportunity to catch up on his life and family. However, with the little I know since high school, I’m guessing one daughter carries on his sense of humor, another his love of biking, another his atheleticism, and his grandson, possibly, his love of music. I’m certain that his family was his greatest treasure and sense of accomplishment. Roger, I’m sure, has made the world a better place. Monday was an absolutely beautiful day, particularly the huge white clouds that canvassed the sky blue behind them spoke that day…I believe Roger was smiling down on all of his family, friends and his former life that day. It was reassuring to see his loved ones and friends gathered to say good bye. God bless his family. I know his spirit lives withint you all!
Roger will be deeply missed by many people. My heart goes out to Casey and Lindsey.Take Care and be strong in this time of loss. Thinkin of you!!! Cassie Crim