Obituary for Van Calvin Ellis, Dallas County, Texas

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Submitted by: Eric Wood <>
        Date: 11 Mar 2014
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Dallas Morning News on 10/11/2007.

ELLIS, VAN CALVIN 

Went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, October 8, 2007. A true
character, Van preferred one of his many loud jackets to a tie (except for his
obituary picture, of course), and his smile was perpetual and contagious. Van
lead a long and energetic life, one in which he was a wonderful and loving
husband, father, grandfather, as well as a loyal and honest friend. On Sunday
mornings you could always find him sitting with his mother and wife on the
second pew at Park Cities Baptist Church. (The first row was dedicated to the
Deacons.) A true philanthropist, Van gave large and often, especially to
charities here in Dallas and throughout Texas. Van said he would never hesitate
to help a friend or even a stranger in need as he knew how blessed he was to
have seen and done so much in life. He wanted to make life better for everyone.
It was this unwavering compassion together with his devotion to his family and
friends, humility, and faith in Christ that set him apart as a giant of a man.
Van was born at Methodist Hospital on December 22, 1926 to Ophir Edwards Ellis
and Calvin Croswaithe Ellis. Following graduation from Adamson High School in
1944, he joined the Merchant Marines, which provided him the opportunity to see
and experience numerous foreign countries and meet other unique people. He spoke
fondly of Cubas beautiful beaches, and he eventually made a return trip, this
time to fish off those same beaches some forty years later. After receiving his
discharge from service, Van met the love of his life, Loumelia Morton Ellis,
while painting her fathers house. They married March 6, 1948. Shortly after the
wedding, Van left his profession as a painter to begin his career with Morton
Foods as a City Routeman. After fifteen years of hard work, loyalty, and genuine
leadership, he was elected President of the company in 1963. Under his guidance,
Morton Foods expanded rapidly and reached substantial new heights, eventually
leading to the purchase of the company by General Mills in 1964. After serving
for a few years as a consultant and on the board of General Mills, Van retired
in 1968, whereupon he formed M-E, Inc., an investment and holding company. He
was also a major donor and on the Board of Directors of the Granville C. Morton
Cancer Research Hospital, Chairman of EDMC, President and Chairman of Bomber
Bait Company, Director of the Fair Park National Bank, Chairman of EDM of Texas,
Inc., and a member of the advisory council for the Dallas Community Trust Fund.
Van's generosity was as ceaseless as his smile, and with an open heart Van gave
openhandedly to individuals, educational institutions, hospitals, cancer
research facilities, churches, and countless other charitable organizations. His
lust for life was limitless, as he was also a revered and dedicated member of
the Berean Class at Park Cities Baptist Church, a 32nd Degree Mason, and an avid
outdoorsman who traveled the globe on hunting and fishing adventures. Van
touched the lives of all who knew him, and he leaves behind many family members,
friends, and caregivers who will never forget him or the life lessons he passed
on. He will forever be in our hearts and on our minds. We love you. Van was
preceded in death by his parents, Ophir and Calvin Ellis and his sister, Johnny
Ellis Campbell. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Loumelia Morton Ellis;
his children, Monica Cleckler (Lewis) from Hunt, Texas, Meredith Woodworth
(Jack) from Dallas, Texas, GC Ellis (Mary) from Rosston, Texas, and Calvin Ellis
(Stacy) from Kona, Hawaii: his grandchildren, Shanthi Cleckler, Jay, Jeffrey and
Molly Woodworth, Meredith and Andrew Ellis; brother in law Jim Campbell (Helen)
and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Restland on Thursday,
October 11th from 6 - 8 PM. The Memorial Service will be held at The Ellis
Chapel at Park Cities Baptist Church on Friday, October 12th at 3:00 PM with a
reception following in The Ellis Parlor.