John W. Ellis Sr.'s Obituary
John W. Ellis, Sr., 67, Leesburg, Florida passed away on February 18, 2022 at his residence under the loving care of his family and Compassionate Care Hospice. John was born on November 11, 1954 in Lorain, Ohio to his parents Jenkin and Ann (Paulovich) Ellis.
John enjoyed several careers during his life. He worked in the grocery industry, served in the United States Army for 8 years as an Infantry Sergeant and finally started his own lawn and landscaping service. He always enjoyed being outdoors and working with nature. During his military career he lived in Georgia, Germany, and Hawaii. After serving his country, he moved to Florida where he resided in Orlando, Ocoee, Tavares and, finally, Leesburg. John was a social and playful man who loved spending time with his family and friends, fishing, golfing, and shooting a mean game of pool. He especially cherished the moments spent with his precious granddaughters, Skylar and Ava.
John was a generous soul and a pioneer publicly recognized for choosing to be the first Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (“ALL”) immunotherapy recipient at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. His participation and the intense staff training required forged the way for other veterans to receive this important treatment in the future. At the VA he was part of the Oncology family, where he was respected and loved by the staff, constantly joking with all of them. He received exemplary care and Five Star medical attention during the numerous surgeries and procedures throughout his 45 months of treatment.
John is survived by: his loving wife of 41½ years, Debbie Ellis; three sons, John Ellis, Jr. (Kelly Steele), Erik Ellis (Jamie) and Chad Kinter (Jennifer); a brother, Don Paulovich (Jeannie); two sisters, Pat Kruman (Tom) and Kathy Mannino (Mike); brother-in-law, Tim Demyan (Nancy); Grandchildren, Skylar Rose and Ava James Ellis; several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents: Jenkin and Ann Ellis; a sister, Peg Tansey and her husband Gerry; and niece, Denise Newmons.
John was of the Christian faith. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 from 12:30PM till 2:00PM at Page-Theus Funeral Home Chapel in Leesburg, Florida. A Graveside Service will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 3:00PM with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Gainesville Fisher House at Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. This non-profit organization provides free lodging to family members as their veterans receive medical care and they helped John’s family during his numerous treatments. www.gainesvillefisherhouse.org
Online condolences may be made at www.pagetheusfuneral.com. Arrangements entrusted to Page-Theus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Leesburg, FL.
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