Michael Eugene Ellis Sr.

Michael "Mike" Eugene Ellis, Sr., 69 years of Millstadt, IL, passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born November 20, 1953, in Lake Charles, LA. On November 22, 1975 he was united in marriage to Shirley Price and to this union three children were born. They shared forty-seven years of marriage together. Mike retired from the United State Air Force as a Technical Sergeant and he served during the Vietnam and Desert Storm Wars. After retiring from the military, he joined the Millstadt Police Department and served his community for fifteen years. He was also a counselor at Monroe County Human Support Services for fifteen years. Mike earned his Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1983 and then went on to earn his Master of Arts from Webster University in 1996. He then went on to be an Adjunct Professor for Lindenwood, SWIC, Greenville, and Lewis and Clark College teaching Human Resource Classes. He continued helping shape the youth as a substitute teacher at the Millstadt, Belleville East, and Dupo School Districts. When Mike wasn't giving back to his community you could find him shooting his guns, helping those in need, and he never met a stranger. He is survived by his wife, Shirley J Ellis of Millstadt, three children, Rebecca (Kevin) Wathen, Rachael (Roy) Promenchenkel, and Michael E (Gina) Ellis, Jr., his four grandchildren, Lainey Promenchenkel, Lucas Promenchenkel, Elijah Wathen, and Logan Ellis, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Ellis; mother, Alice Dee Harmon; three brothers, Thomas Ellis, Charles Ellis, Corey Ellis; and sister, Tammy Friday; Visitation will be Monday, June 26, 2023, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at Leesman Funeral Home, Millstadt, IL. Services will be held 10:30 AM, Tuesday June 27, 2023, at Leesman Funeral Home - Mlllstadt, with Pastor Joe Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Disabled American Veterans - St. Louis 9700 Page Ave Suite 101 RM#1-096, St. Louis, MO 63132 . For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.

Michael Eugene Ellis Sr.

November 20, 1953 - June 22, 2023