Larry Ellis – UPDATED

Funeral services for 82-year old Larry Ellis are Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 10:00 at the Martin American Legion in Martin, SD.

Burial is at the Merriman Cemetery in Merriman, NE.

Visitation is Monday, July 19, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Bennett County Funeral Service, 211 Main Street in Martin.

The family suggests memorials to the Merriman Cemetery with donations to be sent to 24178 290th St, Tuthill, SD, 57574.

Larry Lon Ellis was born in Bennett County, SD, on December 9, 1938, to Jack and Pauline (Sigman) Ellis. He passed away Friday, July 16th, 2021.

Larry grew up in Martin and graduated from Bennett County High School in 1957. He then attended Chadron State College, where he met his sweetheart, Mary Jo Lamme. 

They were married on June 7, 1959, and built their life in Merriman, where they raised their three children: Lonna Jo, Paul David and Pamela Sue. In later years, they enjoyed it when their six grandchildren came to visit. 

Throughout his life, Larry had a good sense of humor – even through his very last days. He enjoyed reading and watching Westerns, and always enjoyed a good story – his or someone else’s. 

Larry loved to hunt, particularly for the sport and the social aspect. When recently asked what he liked to hunt the most. he replied pheasant. 

He had a love of antique cars and racing. Larry and Jo loved to travel – he had been to all 50 states, Mexico, and Canada. Larry would have said Banff, Canada. was the place he found most beautiful with Hawaii a close second.

Larry was a great man and did a lot for people and his community. He was a volunteer fireman, member of the Sons of the American Legion, Merriman Speedway, a board member of the Village of Merriman, Cole Memorial Airport, Merriman Memorial Cemetery, and Merriman Rodeo Association. 

Larry continued the legacy of the Sand Bar (60 years) and owned it for 47 years.  

Larry’s life was filled with love of his family, friends, community, and a good time. He was his own man and did things in his own way and never listened to what people told him he couldn’t do. 

Larry was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his son Paul Ellis, and parents Jack Ellis, Pauline and Buck Howton, Pete and Gladys Sigman and many dear friends. 

Survivors include daughters Lonna Johnson (Jeff) and Pam Young (Randy), Grandchildren Trenton Belsky, Janessa Pinney (Brandon), Bo Johnson (Jackie), Annie Johnson, Kyle Young, and Seth Young, Great-grandchildren Josslyn Nola-Marie Belsky, Barrett Paul Pinney, and Remalynn Jo Pinney. 

Bennett County Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements for Larry Ellis.