William Paul Ellis

William “Bill” Paul Ellis, 95, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, surrounded by his family. Bill was born on May 13,1931. He was the fifth son of Leonard and Marie Ellis. He married Jean Harnish on December 6, 1950.

Bill lived a life of integrity, loyalty and dedication. Bill spent his entire career with Ellison Bakery. His brother, Don and his wife Joan started Ellison Bakery on Ellison Road in 1946 and hired Bill in 1947. The bakery was later moved to the corner of U.S. 24 and Homestead Road. The family business included a bakery, restaurant, gas station and motel. It was commonly known as “Ellisville” and employed all his brothers and sisters.

In 1949, Ellison Bakery acquired the first license by Archway Cookies of Battle Creek, Michigan. The company subsequently discontinued its other products and focused on baking “Soft Cookies” for the states of Indiana, Wisconsin and Kentucky. In 1965, the bakery was expanded and relocated to Ferguson Road.

After brother Don passed in 1978, Bill became the President and Chairman of Ellison Bakery. Under the steady leadership, strong character, and commitment the bakery continued to thrive. Bill retired from Ellison Bakery on his 80th birthday. Throughout his life, Bill was forever grateful for the opportunity given to him by his brother Don and his entire career at Ellison Bakery. Bill was involved in numerous national commercial bakery organizations and was featured in national bakery magazines.

During his career, Bill also served on the Board of Directors of both Anthony Wayne Bank and Summit Bank of Fort Wayne.

He is survived by his two sons, David (Sue) Ellis and Thomas (Susan) Ellis; five grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Jean Ellis, and his seven brothers, Robert, Donald, John, Richard, James, Leonard and Arlie Ellis. He is also survived by two sisters Rosie Spencer (Odell -deceased) and Gloria.

Bill loved his family, his lake home and his lifetime dedication to Ellison Bakery. He also enjoyed traveling, particularly frequent trips to Hawaii, Disney and cruises.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Covington Knolls located at 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday June 24, 2026 from 12 p.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m.

The family requests memorial contributions to be made to Stillwater Hospice, 5910 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46814.