Benjamin Calep Ellis

Benjamin Calep Ellis was born on May 13, 1949 in Wray, Colorado to Thomas Caleb Ellis and Blanche (Redden) Ellis. Ben's first year of school was in a Country School House in the Wiggins, Colorado area after that he went to Wiggins Elementary up to grade 5. The Family relocated to Haigler, Nebraska. Later on the family moved again to Indianola, Nebraska. He attended his High School years there.

At the age of 19, Benjamin met and married Patricia Herbert of Arapahoe, Nebraska and to this union they were blessed with the birth of sons, Benjamin, Dale and James, and one daughter, Theresa.

He joined the Navy on July 7, 1972 during this union, which was also to the end of the Vietnam Conflict. Ben trained in boot camp at San Diego, California. His time in the Navy was aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga an aircraft carrier; one of Ben's best highlights while aboard the ship was the recovery of Apollo 17 and meeting the astronauts in the summer of 1973.

Ben was given the previledged opportunity to assist in the decommissioning of his ship the U.S.S. Ticonderoga, Ben was very proud to have served in the Navy and his country. When time allowed his favorite pass time was fishing off the pier. Following his being honorably discharged in 1973, he worked around the Arapahoe, Nebraska area for a short while. By November of that year, he and his brother, Roger relocated to Los Angeles, California.

There Ben met and married Barbara Weaver in 1974. To this blessed union was born a son, Dean Eric Ellis, joining his two sister, Darryea and DeAndra Dugan. Ben worked as a machinist, welder and mechanic during his years in California. They moved to Springfield, Missouri in the early 90's.

In the mid to late 90's, Ben moved to Eckley, Colorado and lived with his mother. He helped many family and friends with his mechanic skills. He worked various jobs around Yuma, Eckley and Wray. His last few years, he dearly enjoyed fishing and hanging out with family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas C. Ellis, mother, Blanche (Redden) Brown, one beloved sister, Cindy Lou Ellis, (Love of his life), Barbara Weaver and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Left to mourn his passing are his son, Dean Eric Ellis and grandson, Eric of Springfield, Missouri, sons, Benjamin, Dale & James of Nebraska; daughter, Theresa of Kansas; his step-daughters, Darryea and DeAndra of Missouri; many grandchildren and step-grandchildren; brothers, Roger Lee Ellis(Eckley); Rodney Ellis (Indianola, Nebraska); George (Emily) Ellis and family (Vernon, Colorado); one sister; Connie (Rob) Ellis ElAbridi (Tinker)and family; and numerous nieces and nephews, one uncle, Frank Redden of Indianola, Nebraska and friends.

Graveside services and interment were held in the Eckley Cemetery n Eckley, Colorado with Pastor Glen Kline officiating on Friday, February 13, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.