Larry Ellis

Larry Lon Ellis passed away Friday, July 16th, 2021, at the age of 82.

Larry was born in Bennett County on December 9, 1938, to Jack and Pauline (Sigman) Ellis.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his son Paul Ellis, and parents Jack Ellis, Pauline and Buck Howton, Pete and Gladys Sigman and many dear friends. Survivors include daughters Lonna Johnson (Jeff), Pam Young (Randy). Grandchildren Trenton Belsky, Janessa Pinney (Brandon), Bo Johnson (Jackie), Annie Johnson, Kyle Young, and Seth Young. Great-grandchildren Josslyn Nola-Marie Belsky, Barrett Paul Pinney, and Remalynn Jo Pinney.

He grew up in Martin and graduated from Bennett County High School in 1957. After graduation, he attended Chadron State College where he met his sweetheart, Mary Jo Lamme. They were married on June 7, 1959. They built their life in Merriman, NE where they raised their three children Lonna Jo, Paul David and Pamela Sue. They also enjoyed when their six grandchildren came to visit.

Throughout his life he had a good sense of humor even through his very last days. He enjoyed reading and watching Westerns. He always enjoyed a good story, his or someone else’s. Larry’s life was filled with love of his family, friends, community, and a good time. He was his own man and did things in his own way and never listened to what people told him he couldn’t do.

Larry loved to hunt particularly for the sport and the social aspect. When recently asked what he liked to hunt the most he replied, pheasant. He had a love of antique cars and racing. Larry and Jo loved to travel - he had been to all 50 states, Mexico, and Canada. Larry would have said Banff, Canada was the place he found most beautiful and Hawaii a close second.

Larry was a great man and did a lot for people and his community. He was a volunteer fireman, member of the Sons of the American Legion, Merriman Speedway, a board member of the Village of Merriman, Cole Memorial Airport, Merriman Memorial Cemetery, and Merriman Rodeo Association. Larry continued the legacy of the Sand Bar (60 years) and owned it for 47 years.

Larry was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family suggest memorials to the Merriman Cemetery and they may be sent to 24178 290th St, Tuthill, SD, 57574.