Fred Walter Ellis, 79

Fred Walter Ellis, 79, of Gaylord, and previously of Lakeland, Fla., passed away Thursday, July 14, 2016, at McLaren Northern Michigan hospital.

He was born on June 18, 1938, in Kettle Island, Ky., to the late Sam and Jane (Jones) Ellis. On March 17, 1973, Fred married the loved of his life, Shirley M. Brown, at a ceremony in Toledo, Ohio. Together they had seven children.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Jane Ellis; wife, Shirley Ellis; and daughter, Debra Traci Aumack.

He is survived by his children, Cindy (Jon) DalPonte of Constantine, Kimberly (Jack) Card of Gaylord, Robin (Larry Willis) Ellis of Gaylord, Michael (Diana) Mortensen of Constantine, Bruce (Carrie) Ellis of Belleville and Dawn (Adam) Cornwell of Dowagiac; brother, Archie Ellis of Milan; sisters, Mickey (Ernie) Terry of Belleville and Cleo (Dasil) Jackson of Northville; 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Fred may do so to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in care of Fred Ellis, P.O. Box 558, Gaylord, MI 49734.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 30, at 11 a.m. at the Apostolic Lighthouse Church, 30402 M-62 West, Dowagiac.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Niles.