Obituary for Ted Ellis

Ponca City Now - May 10, 2016 12:00 am

Ted Ellis

(June 27, 1938 – May 10, 2016)

C. Ted Ellis of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died early Tuesday morning, May 10, 2016, in the Alliance Health Ponca City at the age of 77 years.

C. Ted Ellis was born on June 27, 1938, in Blackwell to Cecil L. and Alta Ella (Randall) Ellis. He grew up in Blackwell attending Blackwell Public Schools. He graduated from Blackwell High School in 1957 where he was an accomplished football player and wrestler. While in high school he was a runner-up one year and a two time state champion. His accomplishments on the mat earned him a scholarship at Oklahoma State University where he won a national championship in 1959 and a second place in 1961. While in college he married Carla M. Garlett on September 4, 1959, in Ponca City. Following college the couple returned to Blackwell where he worked at the Blackwell Zinc Company for fourteen years. He then worked for Continental Can Company for thirteen years before working at Conoco for ten years, retiring in 1998. He worked as a volunteer football coach for Blackwell Junior High in the early 1970’s. He also enjoyed watching sports and being with family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Carla Ellis of Blackwell; a daughter, Brenda Kothe and husband Deano of Collinsville, Oklahoma; two sons, Duane Ellis and wife Janelle of Blackwell and Darrell Ellis of Blackwell; a brother, Clarence John Ellis of Haysville, Kansas; a sister-in-law, Neva Jo Ellis of Halstead, Kansas; three grandchildren, Taylor Kothe and wife Heather of Tulsa and Kelsey and Justin Kothe of Collinsville; and numerous nieces and nephews that he dearly loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Cecilia, Margaret, Lola, Annie and Nola; and four brothers, Earl, Clay, Vern and an infant brother, Charles.

Services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 13th in the Immanuel Baptist Church in Blackwell with Rev. Matt Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Blackwell Wrestling Club in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.