David R. Ellis

David R. Ellis, 65, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 5:15 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2015 in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.

He was born December 17, 1949 in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Wilford D. and Kathleen P. (Powell) Ellis. He married Connie J. Carlisle on March 21, 1969 in Ottumwa.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Connie; a son, Brian D. (and Diane Shinn) Ellis of Abingdon, Illinois; a daughter, Jill E. (and Mark Kilpatrick) Chockley of Galesburg, Illinois; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two brothers, Gary (and Janet) Ellis of Plano, Texas and Rev. Charles (and Nancy) Ellis of Ankeny, Iowa; and two sisters, Connie (and Larry) Jones of Bloomfield, Iowa and Cathie (and Pat) Taylor of Ottumwa, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Jacob Kilpatrick.

David was raised and educated in Ottumwa, graduating from Ottumwa High School in 1968. He was a conductor with the Rock Island/Burlington Northern Railroad for 29 years. He transferred to Galesburg in 1986. After retiring from the railroad, David was a licensed cemetery customer service employee at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg for 10 years.

While living in Ottumwa, David was a member of North Court Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the Galesburg Rifle Club and taught country line dancing for Cottage Senior Circle. David was a certified Howard Miller clock repairman. David loved being with his family and pets, country line dancing, bowling, horseback riding, painting, and playing the piano.

David served in the United States Navy. In life, David was the recipient of a heart transplant and in death he was able to repay that gift by being a tissue donor.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Cremation will be accorded following the visitation with entombment in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to his wife, Connie for the purchase of supplies for animals at the Knox County Humane Society and Guardian Angels Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.