Wilbur L. Ellick

Wilbur Lee “Chink” Ellick died Jan. 15, 2009, at his residence after an illness. He was born Nov. 7, 1924, at White Oak, Okla., to William and Susan Ellick. He married Deloris Ellick and she preceded him in death. He married Leta Ellick and spent 38 wonderful years together and she survives him at their home. Mr. Ellick was of Shawnee-Delaware descent and participated at many tribal dances at White Oak, as lead singer. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard USS Shackle and Midway at Pearl Harbor from 1941 to 1943, and was injured during action and awarded the Purple Heart. He was an expert watchmaker for many years before retiring. He served as Sunday school director, song leader and senior deacon for 29 years at the Spring River Indian Baptist Church. He served on the Quapaw School Board for several years. He is preceded in death by one sister, Elsie Goodson; one brother, Henry (Shine) Ellick; and one son, Greg Ellick. He is survived by two sisters, Margie Timmons and Agnus Sappington; six children, Barbara Williams, Rocky Jones, Judy Farris, Jimmy Jones, Kim Ortner and Cynthia Weston; 18 grandchildren, Bruce Farris II, Regina Drum, Jonathan Bridwell, Jordan Weston, Leighton Weston, Tiffini Weston, Cody Weston, Cydni Weston, Tony Moon, Willie Moon, Lisa Moon, Chris Williams, Jimmy Williams, Debra Battenfield, Marlus Kimbrough, Park Jones, Matthew Jones and Daniel Jones; 18 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and loving family members. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Spring River Indian Baptist Church the Rev. Ed McFall officiating. Interment will follow in the G.A.R. Cemetery under the direction of the Paul Thomas Funeral Home, of Miami, with Kevin Dawes conducting Indian Rites. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Miami Lodge No. 140 A.F. and A.M., Military Rites conducted by the United States Navy Military Honors Teams. Pallbearers will be Robert Alexander, Reed Sequiche, Ron Stand, Chester Enoch, Gene Ortner and David Payton. Nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers. Mr. Ellick will be taken home to 5990 S. 632nd, Quapaw, where the family will receive friends and relatives. Services are under the direction of Paul Thomas Funeral Home, of Miami.