September 11, 2023

Linn County News

Published Sept. 13, 2023

Wayne Barber Ellis, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.  He was born on June 20, 1944, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Mark and Leah Scott Ellis. He graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1962. Wayne was united in marriage to Debra Staton on Oct. 27, 1985, in the Pleasanton First Christian Church. 

He was “Jack of All Trades.”  He was a dairy farmer at one time, raised Simmental and Angus cattle, owned Ellis Plumbing and worked for American Breeder’s Service. He was a member of the Pleasanton First Christian Church and served over twenty-eight years on the Pleasanton School Board, enjoyed KU basketball and Chiefs football. 

He was preceded in death by his parents. Wayne is survived by his wife Debra; two sons, Christopher Ellis and wife Elizabeth, and Dylan Ellis and wife Elisabeth; two daughters, Samantha Johnson and husband Brad, and Darcy Rowe and husband Ben; a nephew that was considered as a son, Brian Hardy and wife Anna and their daughter, Isabelle; and four grandchildren, Braden, Izak, Liam, and Amelia. 

Funeral service will be held 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel.  Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. prior to the service.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Pleasanton First Christian Church.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.