Joe Theodore Ellis Born in Miami Florida, on 20 September, 1927 to Augusta (Hauser) Ellis of Taylorville IL and Theodore Gregory Ellis, Greece. After graduating from High School in St James MO, in May 1945, he enlisted in the US Navy. He served until his Honorable Discharge in August 1946 as a Seaman First Class at the Naval Repair Base, New Orleans LA. He attended the Rolla School of Mines and went on to be a Toolmaker. He worked in aircraft engineering for a number of years before starting to work for Chrysler. He retired from Chrysler at the end of 1989. He found the first love of his life, Geraldine Lucille Woodruff and married her on 18 November, 1950. Geraldine, or "Jerry" and Joe enjoyed fifty-three years of marriage and were blessed by four children. David Michael, who passed away soon after birth, Vicki Ann, who resides in Branson MO with her husband Rocky, Robin, who resides in Corsicana TX with her husband Dale, and Terry, who resides in Fenton MO. After Jerry's passing in 2003, Joe started a new chapter in his life when he married Ruth Bell in 2005. They, and their former spouses, had known each other socially with a group of motorcycle enthusiasts known as "The Retreads." They had both lost their spouses and continued to attend Retread social events. After they married, they continued to enjoy motorcycling until 2017 when Joe made the hard decision that 89 was old enough. It wasn't unusual for them to decide to ride to Daytona, FL or Sturgis SD, for Bike week, or out to the west coast to see the Redwoods. Yes, it made all of their kids jealous of their freedom and ability to do that. Joe was graced with 8 Grand children, 11 Great Grand Children, and 3 Great Great Grand children. Joe passed away on Saturday, 28 June, at home with family and friends in attendance at the age of 97.