Wayne Leroy Ellis

Wayne Leroy Ellis was born June 10, 1920 on the Cottom family farm south of Terre Haute near Lewis, Indiana to Bessie Marie Cottom and George Ellis. He was known as "Smiley Cottom" in his youth. He attended Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Wiley High School and graduated from Black Hawk High School in the class of 1939. Following graduation he attended Indiana State University before enlisting in the US Army Air Force to serve our country in WWII. He served in the European Theater Flying on C 47's as an engineer. He was with the 101st and 82nd air borne and was a decorated soldier earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Following VE Day he returned home to Terre Haute to marry "the most beautiful girl in the world" Martha Beck of Pimento, Indiana. They were married on June 29, 1946 and have celebrated 66 years of marriage. They were blessed with two children Fred W. Ellis of Carmel and Betsy Sue Ellis Bartlett (Steve) of Carmel. He was dearly loved by his four grandchildren Kyle Bartlett, Heather Bartlett Costlow (Mark), Aaron Ellis, Bradley Ellis and six great grandchildren. Following his return from service he graduated from Indiana University and became an Indiana State Trooper and was assigned to the Connersville Post for 10 years. After which he began a career in the Insurance industry retiring in 1986 from Indiana Farmers. Upon retirement, he formed the Ellis and Ellis Insurance Agency with his son. His avocation though, was showing Appaloosa and Quarter horses with his children as well as judging horse shows. Moving to Carmel in 1968 he spent many hours enjoying his grandchildren play sports in Carmel and was widely known as Grandpa to many athletes in Carmel Dad's Club. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Carmel Christian Church where his service will be held Saturday. The viewing will be held Saturday, February 23, 2013 from 11:00 to 12:00 with celebration of life service at noon. Burial will be in Washington Park North Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Carmel Christian Church 436 E. Main Street Carmel, Indiana 46032. Flanner and Buchanan – Carmel is handling arrangements. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan