Mr. John A. Ellis Jr.

Mr. John Arthur Ellis, Jr. (Sonny), was called home to be with The Lord on April 24, 2020 at the age of 84. John was born to John Sr. and Velia Ellis on Sept 21, 1935 in Hughes AK. Mr. Ellis accepted Christ at an early age. In 2002 he became a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and severed as an usher and a member of the male chorus. Mr. Ellis was a member of Major Moton Lodge #1 of The International Free and Accepted Modern Mason Inc, in order of the Eastern Star (IFAMM) from 1995-2012. Mr. Ellis worked two jobs most of his life. While working for Saginaw Steering Gear, Mr. Ellis was one of the key principles for the first working power steering patent. After 37 years of service, Mr. Ellis retired from Saginaw Steering Gear. He went on to work for and retire from both Bushey Automotive and Stone Trucking Company as a commercial truck driver. Mr. Ellis fulfilled many of his life dreams; including being an pilot of both single and double engine propeller planes in the 1970’s; and while his hobbies included working on cars and his tool collection, Mr. Ellis was a master mechanic, which led him to not only being a race car driver, but also being selected for various pit crews in the race car industry during the 1950’s. He also managed his son John III in the 1970’s local Saginaw band called Monkey and the Funk Bunch; where they once the opening act for James Brown. Additionally, during the 1960’s, Mr. Ellis’ was a Golden Gloves Champion. Mr. Ellis was a wonderful father, a great provider and had a wry since of humor. He leaves three children to cherish his memory, John Ellis, III, Linda Ellis-White (Troy), Rynette Ellis Slaughter (Foster) and 10 grandchildren, Juan, Arthur, Hazel, Rachel, Jacqueline, Jamar, Jasmine, Kameasha, Foster Jr. Naquesha and 8 great grandchildren all of California. He also leaves to cherish his memory his sister Lilly Pearl Brown, mother- in-law Evelyn Murphy, niece Diane (Fred) Welch, special nephews Robert Marshall and Dan Childs all of MI and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. John was preceded in death by his wife Verna Ellis, his parents John Sr. and Velia Ellis, sons Lamar Ellis and Mark Dean Ellis, his first wife Jonnie Mae Wright-Ellis, sisters Odessa Marshall and Mary Myles, brothers in law Thomas Marshall and Houston Myles and special niece Delores Davis. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2020 at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607. A private funeral service be held.

Mr. John A. Ellis Jr.

September 21, 1935 - April 24, 2020