He was born on Saturday, November 18, 1933, in Joliet Illinois, the son of William and Agnes Marie (Durbin) Ellinger. He was orphaned at the age of 6. His Aunt Betty and Uncle Homer Stovall of rural Cowden raised him.
He married Faye Darlene Olinger on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1956 in rural Beecher City, Illinois. She survives.
Surviving are four children, Katherine (Don) Taber of Canton, Homer William Ellinger of Midland, Texas, Rick A. (Dory) Ellinger of North Liberty, Iowa and Michael L. Ellinger of Canton.
Grandchildren: Danielle Taber, Dustin (Brandy Cozad) Taber, Katelin Frank, Brandon (Victoria) Ellinger.
Great-Grandchildren: Kinsleigh, Karsyn, Chase, Jacoby and Serenity.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Brothers: James William Ellinger (killed in action WWII), Lamoine Ellinger, Herbert Dean Ellinger, Harold Wayne Ellinger and sister Helen Marie Hood.
Richard joined the United States Air Force November 4, 1954 after which he attended Eastern IL University on the GI Bill. He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Master of Science in Education. He began his career as a teacher in Neoga, Illinois. He later went into Administration. He was Superintendent of Schools for Cowden-Herrick, Superintendent for VIT Community Unit School District #2, Assistant Regional School Superintendent of Fulton County for over 7 years. He retired from the Lewistown School District #141 as Superintendent in 1990.
In his younger years DIck liked to fish, hunt, golf and mushroom hunt. His lifelong interest included bowling, horseshoe pitching, playing cards and watching westerns. He was an avid Gardner and enjoyed sharing his bounty. He was a die-hard Cardinal fan. He was a Civil War buff. He belonged to many organizations through his life including Kiwanis, Rotary, VFW, Fulton-Schyler Co. Regional Superintendent Board, National Horseshoe Pitching Association.
While he never “wore it on his sleeve” Dick was a man of faith and saw the good in everyone. He accepted Christ in baptism at the First Christian Church of Cowden in 1969. He was a good man, a hard worker and a quiet giver. He had a real joy for life, an infectious laugh and was a definite people person who believed in many chances.
His last task was to care for his wife of over 68 years and that he did with complete devotion.
The family would like to thank Red Oak Estates and Hospice for their tender care.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday June 13th at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Reverend Shane Smith officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery at Lewistown with a military service conducted by the US Air Force, the Lewistown VFW Post 5001, and the Lewistown American Legion Bishop Post 1. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the memorial home. Memorials contributions may be made to the Lewistown Fire & Rescue Department. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment