Richard W. "Toby Dick Ellis" Elsenpeter

1927 - 2024

Richard W. "Toby Dick Ellis" Elsenpeter, 97, of Quincy, formerly of Barry, IL, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Good Samaritan Home in Quincy, IL.

He was born April 30, 1927, in Minneapolis, MN, to Andrew & Verna (McCallum) Elsenpeter. They preceded him in death.

He married Delores Baird in 1949, in Liberty, IL, and out of this union were born 1 son Richard B. Elsenpeter, of New London, MO, 3 daughters, Anna Elsenpeter of St. Petersburg, FL, Dulce Sibbing of Quincy, IL, and Lisa Brockman of Columbia, MO, 6 grandchildren, Rocky, Mary, Jacob, Jayme, Amy & Tina, and 8 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 bonus children, Robert Elsenpeter & Joni Elsenpeter.

Toby was the last of 7 siblings. He left home at 16 to pursue a career in Hollywood. He was in several movies. Then he pursued acting in tent shows,

i.e., Passion Play and Toby & Susie. He had a very popular T.V. Program named Possum Hollow Opry from 1962-1972. He started a career in puppetry and performed in schools across the Midwest with his hand-crafted marionettes. He also taught stage craft and puppetry at Emerson School in Quincy. He had also operated The Wine Stub and Toby & Al's Pizza in Barry. He moved to Quincy in 2009 where he volunteered at the Quincy Senior Center. After health issues he moved to the Good Samaritan Home in 2020.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry.

Burial will be at Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry.

Memorials are suggested to Together with Tri State Veterans.

Online condolences can be sent to kirganfh.com.