Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m.Tuesday, January 5 at Woodbine Cemetery for Johnny W. Ellis of Artesia, New Mexico.

Chaplain Terry McKean of Lakeview Christian Home will be officiating at the service.

Mr. Ellis, 95, died January 1, 2021 at Lakeview Christian Home in Carlsbad, N.M., celebrating New Year’s Day in the presence of Jesus, his Lord and Savior.

Johnny was born December 2, 1925 in Hornbeck, Louisiana to John Barnett Ellis and Pallie Olivia Belvin Ellis.

Johnny loved and was dearly loved by his wife Helen (Jean) Ellis whom he married on February 20, 1948, as well as his children and grandchildren. He was admired as a wonderful Christian man who loved sharing his faith with others and provided an example of Godly living for his family and friends. Johnny moved his family to Artesia in 1965 as part of the crew that built the Marathon Oil Indian Basin Gas Plant.

He proudly told everyone he was a veteran of the US Navy serving both in World War II and the Korean Conflict as a machinist mate second class on the USS Dane, the USS McFarland and the USS Essex.

Johnny loved to travel in the motor home, especially his yearly trips to Padre Island, as well as fishing and hunting. He will be best remembered for his quick wit, keen sense of humor and his tireless hours serving on the building and grounds committe at his church.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents John and Pallie Ellis, sister Laverne Poole, sister Bernice Irwin and grandson Frank Barnett Ellis.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Helen E. (Jean) Ellis, son Johnny Wayne Ellis, Jr. and wife Joy, daughter Norma Jean Cunningham and husband David, and sister LaMerle Poole. Survivors also include grandchildren Kimberly Trammell, Wade Ellis and wife Toma, Diana Christensen and husband Daniel, and Casey Graham and husband Stuart and 9 great-grandchildren who all called him “I Pa”.

With love, the family wishes to express our gratitude and thanks to the staff at Lakeview Christian Home, both present and past, who provided him with excellent care, tender compassion and loving attention. There are not words enough to truly thank them adequately.

Those wishing to make donations may make them to the building fund at West Main Baptist Church, 1701 W. Main, Artesia NM.