Charles R. Ellis

   On May 5th, of the year 1929, Charles R. Ellis was born in Stringtown, Indiana to Robert and Ella Ellis. Growing up in the Great Depression years, he was raised in in a house behind the Soldier’s Home, now known as the VA Illiana Health Care on several acres.

   Chuck, or Charlie as he known to friends and family, grew up with his older brother Arthur Keafer, and older sisters Thelma, Leona, Mary, and Violet. He attended Danville schools and began working at an early age. Most of his early jobs consisted of working at gas stations after WWII, he often spoke of working at the Wareco station on Main Street in Danville.

    It was during this time Chuck met the love of his life, Norma Sandefer and they were married on August 4th of 1950. They began their happy life together, but later that year, Chuck was called to serve his country in the Korean War, serving two years stationed in Korea and Japan.

   After returning home from the war, Chuck And Norma got back to family life, raising three children: Debra, Cathy, and Chuck Jr. Chuck began his career as a truck driver about this time, working for many local companies including McCalman Construction, Ramsey Trucking, McDaniel Freight Line (which became I&S McDaniel), Ryder, Lovelace, and finally Churchill, who he retired from in 1989.

    Chuck continued on with his sideline job after retirement, running his body shop and used car lot, but never afraid to put the “Gone for Vacation” sign on the door when he and Norma vacationed to Nashville, TN as they frequently did. They were huge country music and Grand Ole Opry fans, and knew   many of the performers.

   When they did stay home, he could often be found out on the patio, sitting in the porch swing, listening to country music and perusing his antique car magazines. He spent many hours restoring his antique cars and farm tractors, then quitting early enough in the day to drive on to dinner or for ice cream with Norma.

   Chuck left this world on February 3rd, 2022 at the age of 92 years, and 9 months. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma, his parents, and all of his siblings.

   He is survived by daughters Debra Ellis of Arizona and Cathy Cunningham (Greg) of South Carolina, son Charles Jr of rural Vermilion County, and many grand and great grandchildren.

There will be no services according to his wishes.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles R. Ellis, please visit our floral store.