Obituary of Theron L Ellis

Theron L. (Jack) Ellis Vestal: Theron L. (Jack) Ellis, 83, died peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2013 at Susquehanna Nursing Center after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his wife, Evelyn; his parents, Frank and Bessie; his in-laws, Donald and Gavena Marsh; and 11 siblings. He is survived by his children, Clayton, Roxanna (Jim) Fitzgerald, Lincoln (Linda), Jason, Dana and Drew; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and a sister, Barbara; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jack was a graduate of Vestal High School (Class of 1947), a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of American Legion Post 89, an IBM retiree with 39 years of service, and a lifelong Vestal resident. He was proud of his children and followed with great interest the pursuits of his grandchildren. Throughout his life, Jack served his community, first as a member of the Jaycees, then as a long-time member of the Town Board and finally as a county legislator. He wasn't a politician, rather a public servant who was always looking out for what was best for Vestal and its residents. Jack and his family renovated the Ellis homestead on Glenwood Road that his parents purchased when they moved to Vestal in 1914. He and his family also operated campgrounds at the family's Woodland Lake property in Warren Center, Pennsylvania for many years. Jack took great pride in meticulously maintaining both properties - if there wasn't already some sort of improvement project under way at one location or the other, he was planning the next project. Jack will be sorely missed by his family, friends and acquaintances. The family would like to thank the staffs at Lourdes Hospital and Susquehanna Nursing Center and Dr. Piller for their care. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31 at Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home, 765 Main Street, Vestal. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 1 at Vestal Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Jack's memory may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Western Broome Family Center, 1 Clubhouse Road, Endicott, NY 13760.