George Olen Ellis passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at the age of 97. He was born in Webbers Falls, OK to Olen and Ruth Ellis. He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 66 years, Ortha Lee Ellis, his daughter Patricia Ann Rodgers, siblings, Elmo Ellis, TR Ellis, Eddie Ellis and David Ellis.
At age 19, George volunteered to serve in the United States Army during WWll, forgoing a deferment his father had obtained for him to help support the family farm. He was proud of this country and wanted to serve. He was stationed in the Philippines for duration of the war and received an honorable discharge. A true believer in education, George was grateful that his service allowed him the opportunity to utilize the GI Bill to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering. George was a life long member of Tau Beta Pi, Engineering Honor Society.
After graduation, most of George’s career was spent working for companies in the oil and gas industry- trying to get that energy out of the ground as economically as possible. He loved his work and even did consulting work well beyond formal retirement from his own firm, Ellis Engineering, Inc. in Houston.
Right after 9/11, George packed the trunk of his car with food, water and supplies and drove by himself from Houston to NYC to try to help. George had worked all around the world, loved to travel, and many times after retirement, ventured out on his own. George loved life, had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his “dad jokes.” He enjoyed watching sports, trading in the stock market and being with his family. He was a very generous man and loved helping others.
George is survived by his daughter, Linda Lee Clark and son in law Gary Smith. His daughter Paulette Marie Hamm and son in law Pat Hamm. Grandsons, James E. Gaile II, Lee Michael Clark, Darren Paul Clark and wife Denise Clark. Great grandsons, Sean Austin Clark, Hunter Paul Clark and Blake William Clark. Sister-in-law, Patricia Ellis, Nephews Allen and Brian Ellis, and niece Brenda Ellis. George’s family and friends wish to thank his longtime loving caregiver, Gabriela Olvera.
A graveside service for George will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkwestheimer.com for the Ellis family.
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