Dale Edward Ellis

Dale Edward Ellis, 89 years old, passed away January 1, 2025 in Columbus, Georgia.

Dale was born in Worland, Wyoming on July 28, 1935.  He was the son of Earl and Erma Kipp Ellis.  He graduated from Thermopolis High School where he played football and basketball and played saxophone in the jazz band.  He then attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with bachelor degrees in hard rock geology and industrial engineering.  While in college, he was a proud and loyal member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and participated in the Army ROTC program.  In 2008, Dale was inducted into the University of Wyoming’s, College of Engineering, Hall of Fame.

A dedicated public servant his whole career, Dale served his country through military and civilian service assignments. Upon graduation, he was commissioned, as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, and served at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey and 10 years in the US Army Reserves. He worked in the Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, as an industrial engineer, helping with the efficiency efforts of the shipyard.  He then moved to Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado and was again working as an industrial engineer and later became the Director of Maintenance for the military base.  His final assignment was at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia where he was once again the Director of Maintenance and then the Director of Logistics.  While at Fort Benning, Dale led the military post’s efforts in equipping American soldiers for the Desert Shield and Desert Storm conflicts in the Middle East.  He retired in 1998 with full civilian service honors and accolades.

An avid bridge player, Dale and Jan played in several card groups and formed long time friendships around the card table.  In retirement, he was a voracious reader and enjoyed many of the same genres as his sons-in-law.  He was a runner and completed 25 consecutive Country’s BBQ Midnight Express races and played tennis three days a week at Cooper Creek until the age of 88.  He was a talented artist, but only painted for his own pleasure and family. His most treasured gift was his ability to build or fix just about anything.  His “honey do” and “daughter do” lists were always plentiful and the fruits of his efforts always appreciated.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jan Etta Klipstein Ellis; three daughters and sons-in-law: Suzanne and Joe Best, Stephanie and Randy Richau, and Cynthia and Philip Cook; seven grandchildren: Ally Hall (Madison), Ellis Cook (Kala), Avary Base (Kyle), Emory Cook, Alena Jackson (Everett), Trey Carpenter (Mallory), and Ethan Cook; six great grandchildren: Ivy Jackson, Caroline Hall, Delilah Cook, Walker Hall, Charlotte Cook, and Wyatt Jackson; sister-in-law: Diane Ellis; and nieces and nephew: Valerie Jochen, Marley Richards, and David Kipp Ellis.  He was predeceased by his parents and older brother, Floyd Earl “Tut” Ellis.

Visitation for friends and family will be held at McMullen Funeral Home on Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm, followed by a private, family memorial service at St. Luke Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Luke Methodist Church Music Program, 1102 2nd Avenue, Columbus, GA  31909.