David Ellis

David Graham Ellis passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Ammon, Idaho, Sunday, October 8, 2017, at the age of 81. He was born November 12, 1935, in Huntington Park (Los Angeles), California, to David Lavon Ellis and Esther Pieper Ellis, and spent his youth helping his dad with sheep herding in the southeast Idaho desert. As a young boy he spent a great deal of time with grandparents and family in the Lost River Valley, before moving to Idaho Falls. Before completing his senior year of high school, Dave joined the United States Navy and served from 1954-1958. He was assigned to the USS Tolovana, a Cimarron-class fleet oiler which served primarily in the Pacific Ocean Theater of Operations and provided fuel and supplies to combat ships. Dave spoke often about the last time he was in Hawaii, Hong Kong and other Asian ports. He was honorably discharged at the rank of FN Fireman. He received the Korean War medal, multiple Good Conduct medals and China Service medal. Following his service years, Dave returned to Idaho Falls and finished high school, graduating in 1960 from Idaho Falls High School. Anyone acquainted with Dave knew he had a love for cars. He raced cars and ran the parts department for what many may remember as Merlin's Texaco in Arco. Dave was well known for the meticulous care he took of his cars. In 1978, Dave went to work as a Fuel Processing Operator and Shift Supervisor for the denitration campaign at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant. In 1978, Dave married Ella Lee Bach Beck and they made their home in Arco and Idaho Falls until he retired from the INL in 1995. He and Ella enjoyed many years traveling, fishing and camping. He was an avid NASCAR fan and always enjoyed the old muscle car shows. Both Dave and Ella always looked forward to Wednesday morning breakfasts with former INL co-workers and friends, and he will be sorely missed by Princess his dog. Dave is survived by his wife, Ella, step-son Robert Beck, step-daughters, Debby (Ernie) Tate and Marsha (Ron) Clark, sister, Mary Lee Valdezz, 104-year-old-mother, Esther Slamenda, and three step grandchildren. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral services.