MERL D. ELLIS

ANNA, Ill. -- Merle D. "Joe Pete" Ellis, 71, of Anna died Saturday, April 12, 1997, at his home.

He was born April 9, 1926, in Pomona, the son of Ben and Edith Etherton Ellis. He married Aleen Brothers on Feb. 18, 1950, in Murphysboro.

He was a Coast Guard veteran of World War II and a life member and past commander of Anna VFW Post 3455. He worked as a railroad division engineer for 43 years before retiring.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Rhonda Stadelbacher of Anna; a son, Keith A. Ellis of Anna; a stepson, Ron Jennings of Anna; two sisters, Ebby Brunty of Carbondale and Wanda Kukarich of Mount Prospect; two brothers, Herschel and Dale Ellis, both of Murphysboro; five grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.

Private funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna. The Rev. Steve Wilkinson will officiate, with interment in the Anna Cemetery with full military honors by the Anna VFW Post 3455.