Kenneth Ellis

Kenneth W. Ellis, 87, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025 in Gladwin. He was born June 9, 1938, the son of Wayne and Elenor (nee Breault) Ellis in Gladwin, Michigan. He worked for the Gladwin County Road Commision as a laborer/heavy equipment operator for 35 years until his retirement. Ken especially enjoyed his time on the job as he was and an avid hunter from an early age and loved the outdoors. Some of you may remember him driving a road grader from a standing position with his hat cocked at an angle, waving at the cars he met. Ken hunted a wide variety of game including racoon, fox, coyote, deer, bobcat and bear. He trained his own hunting dogs until he was 77 years old. He loved the comeraderie of spending time with his friends and relatives in the pastime he loved.

Ken graduated from Gladwin High School in 1956. He played football and baseball for four years and lettered in both. Ken's love of baseball continued for many years. After graduation he played for the North Eastern Michigan Conference for 16 years and was inducted into their hall of fame in 2016. He was a Little League basball coach for many years and played fast pitch softball for the First United Methodist Church in the Gladwin Church League. He also played on slow pitch softball teams with his son Kevin until he was in his fifties. After his retirement he bought a horse for trail riding and competed in team penning with some of his buddies from Gladwin.

He is survived by his daughter Julie Ellis of Gladwin; daughter-in-law Debb Ellis; grandchildren Justin (Latrichia) Lake of Campbellsville, KY, Jessica (Michael) Brubaker and Josie (Coty) Brooks of Gladwin, Shelby (Ryan) Ellis of Beaverton and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Elenor Ellis, son Kevin Ellis, daughter Cheri Lake, granddaughter Lacey Lake, and brother Wendell Ellis.

Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Gladwin. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of Ken. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com