Marion Allen Ellis

Marion Allen Ellis, 76, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on December 12, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska where he had been receiving medical treatment for his illness. Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday,December 18, 2014 at Loess Hills Funeral and Cremation Center in Malvern. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family

Marion Allen Ellis was born to Lloyd and Mary (Howard) Ellis in Atchison, Kansas. During his childhood, the family moved to the Malvern area - where he attended elementary school and competed as a three-sport athlete in junior high and high school (Class of 1956).

Upon graduation, Marion enlisted in the United States Air Force. Based in Germany, he worked in cryptology and traveled throughout Europe as a starting forward for the USAF Basketball Team. While in the service, he married Vernelle Bentley - a union to which four children were born. After he was discharged, Marion worked in sales management until retirement and served as a Reservist in the Army for a few years.

In 1979, Marion relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. He married Dolores (McMahan) Day in 1987. Together, they raised, loved, and were amused by many dogs and cats, and they followed Arizona's pro sports teams - often going out for tacos when the Diamondbacks won. Marion enjoyed yard work, especially tending his roses and raising a red bud tree - an Iowa sapling that many believed would not tolerate Arizona's heat. Attracting humming birds also brought him pleasure.

Marion had a life-long passion for fishing and was a master pool player; he was an avid reader; a member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church; and active in Elks, VFW, and American Legion.

In August, Marion came to Lincoln, Nebr. to receive medical care for his illnesses. Shortly before his planned return to Phoenix, he was hospitalized with pneumonia - a complication of advanced Parkinson's disease. He died in Lincoln on December 12, 2014. Survived by his wife, Dolores, Phoenix; sons, Tony (Cindy) Ellis, Mike Ellis, and daughter, Vanessa (Bob) Hanna, all of Lincoln; son, Dan Thompson, Stanchfield, Minn.; step-daughter, Kristin (Sam) Hardwig, Phoenix; grandchildren, Tom (Sara) and Trevor Hanna, Shey Ellis, Paris Mood, Olivier and Lily Ellis, Leighton and Jake Hardwig; sisters, Dee Stivers, Corona, Calif; Barb Johnston and Bessie Galloway of Council Bluffs; numerous nephews and nieces, and many friends. Preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Earl Harrod; sisters, Velma Wright, Marcy White, and Rosie Jerkovich; son, Tim Ellis.