Gary R. Ellis, age 76 years, lifelong resident of Great Bend, Kan., passed away at Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kan. on Friday morning, April 26, 2024. Gary was born on May 10, 1947 at Great Bend to Richard Lon and Lucille (Titsworth) Ellis. He was united in marriage to Clara May Roach on Oct. 28, 1967 at Great Bend – she preceded him in death on Jan. 1, 2013. He served in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1971 and worked as a welder and fabricator for American Trailers and Guthrie Trailers in Great Bend, and later worked in the Maintenance Department at Great Bend Packing prior to his retirement. Gary loved going to casinos and playing the Kansas Lottery and fishing, and dearly loved his family and his dogs Skipper, Maggie, and Charlie.

Survivors include two sons, Brian Ellis and Brent (and Chastity Ellis), all of Great Bend; three grandchildren, Chase, Chloe, and Chelsea Ellis; nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Clara May Ellis; his daughter Gina Ann Gugins on July 27, 2023; and two brothers (Holly and Jimmy Ellis).

Cremation has been chosen and inurnment will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. The family requests that Memorial Contributions be directed to the Gary R. Ellis Funeral Expense Fund with Charter Funerals of Great Bend, Kan. in charge.  Online condolences may be left for the family and a full obituary notice may be viewed athttp://www.chartergreatbend.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Charter Funerals

2115 Washington St.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 2, 2024