Morris Ellis Sr.

1929 - 2017

Morris Ellis Sr. Born in Chicago, May 23, 1929 and passed at home on September 1, 2017. Loving husband of Linda Ellis & the late Barbara Ellis. Dear father of Shari Ellis & the late Nicole Ellis & Morris Ellis II. Cherished grandfather of Doni, Morris III & Marcus. Proud great grandfather of Morris IV & Sean. Proud uncle of many nieces & nephews. Treasured friend of many. Family will greet friends & neighbors Sunday from 3 pm until 8 pm at Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn. Morris attended DuSable high school where he learned trombone under the baton of the legendary Capt. Walter Dyett. He received his degree in psychology from Howard University in Washington, D.C., and became an Alpha brother. He worked in Chicago's Juvenile court for 12 years. During his college days, he started his own band that continued until he retired in 2010. Morris was one of the originators of the Duke Ellington memorial concerts which evolved into the Chicago Jazz Fest. Under the Jane Byrne Administration, he produced the musical production and wrote the song "Chicago My Chicago," which gained national acclaim. Morris spent many hours in recording studios backing such artists as Peabo Bryson, The Chi-Lites, Donnie Hathaway, The Impressions, and Ramsey Lewis among many others. Morris's orchestra also backed many famous stars such as Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Natalie Cole, Diane Carol, and Joe Williams. The orchestra performed the inauguration of Mayor Harold Washington and hundreds of Chicago area affairs-parties, concerts, cotillions, shows, and weddings. In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Morris can be made to The Anti Cruelty Society, 157 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, Il., 60654, lower level. thompsonkuensterfuneralhome.com 708-425-0500