Howard Ronald Ellis

1927 - 2025

Reverend Howard Ronald "Ron" Ellis, 98, passed away September 16, 2025 at Homewood in Frederick, Maryland. He was born February 23, 1927 in Junction, Illinois to Charles Henry Ellis and Marie Kish Ellis.

He enlisted in the US Navy and served as an Aviation Electrician's Mate on aircraft carriers during WW II and the Korean War. After becoming Chief Petty Officer, he graduated from Officer Candidate School as an Ensign. He was assigned to the USS Thuban (AKA-19) where he learned shiphandling and navigation. During this time he was involved with the Cuban Missile Crisis. He attended flight school and became a Naval Flight Officer, serving as plane captain on P2 and P3 anti-submarine aircraft. He then served as an instructor before becoming Commanding Officer of Naval Facility, Guam. He retired in 1973 after 27 years of service. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and WW II and Korean service medals.

After his retirement from the navy, he obtained a Bachelors degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland and a Doctorate in Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He was ordained as a minister in the United Methodist Church, serving as pastor in Buckeystown and Wolfsville, Maryland. After retirement from active preaching, he performed weddings, baptisms, and funerals, and was a substitute pastor and school bus driver.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Amy Louise Bergmann Ellis, his son, John Paul, his parents, his brother Charles Alan, and his sisters, Joann Diedrick and Rita Hays. He is survived by his children, Ron Jr. (Judy), Diana McKinney (John), Chuck (Sheryl), Polly Miller (Kent), Mary Fogle (Robert), and Jim. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Howard Ronald Ellis