Reynold Joe J. Ellis

Reynold J. "Joe" Ellis, 82, of Spring Bay, IL passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 1:05 am at Unity Point Proctor in Peoria. He was born on February 24, 1932 in Pomona, IL to Albert and Mary Bell (Crowl) Ellis. Joe married the love of his life, Phyllis J. Gale, on October 23, 1954 in Ava, IL. Their sixty years of wonderful marriage was celebrated last fall during their family?s traditional "Apple Butter Weekend." She survives. Also surviving are children Larry (Donna) Ellis of Roanoke, Donna (Ben) Shirley and Angela (Harold) Ellis both of Germantown Hills; son-in-law Ben Short of Peoria; thirteen cherished grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; siblings David (Doris) Ellis, Marilyn (Joe) Cooper, Virginia (Bill) Dalton, Helen Ann (Carl) Guthrie, Helen Maxine Hicks, and Marsha (John) Norman. He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Pamela Short, and three brothers. He was one of ten children. Joe proudly served in the United States Army as a sergeant and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of Spring Bay Legion Post #1115. Joe was a retiree of Caterpillar where he worked for 31 years in inventory control. Upon retirement, Joe continued work in various capacities including ten years at the Woodford County Courthouse. The avid learner and man of many hobbies spent the next decades "taking the bull by the horns" and teaching himself how to fix and repair everything from lawnmowers to computers, much to the benefit of his community. The local handyman also had a passion for music, often playing in his basement and even building instruments like an electric guitar. A beloved part of his community, Joe would meet up with friends at the local gas station in a daily ritual he called "checking out the station." His family, however, was his greatest passion. He would often be seen walking and laughing with his great-grandchildren whom he adored. He was an avid Cardinals fan and loved his dog, Abby. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 11:00 am at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Reverend Johnny Norman officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 from 4:00 till 7:00 pm at the funeral home along with one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery with military rites accorded by Spring Bay Legion Post #1115. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or One Million 4 Anna Foundation for Ewing Sarcoma, 15301 Dallas Parkway, Suite 1100, Addison, TX 75001. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.