William Allen "Bill" Ellison, age 73, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021. Bill was born August 7, 1948 to Carl Edward and Wilma Grace (Mensch) Ellison in Wichita, Kansas. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor who touched many lives and will be dearly missed. He is survived by Amelia R. “Amy” (Drescher) Ellison, his wife for over 40 years; daughter, Carlene R. (Nicholaus) Marcotte and son, Jonathan P. (Madelaine) Ellison and their families; and by brothers, Gary D. and Robert D. Ellison.
Bill began his manufacturing career with Sherwin-Williams (formerly Enmar) in 1971 after graduating from Wichita State University with an industrial engineering degree. He advanced to the position of Plant Manager in 1984. Bill was proud of the achievements of his people, and especially pleased with its recognition as site of the year within the Sherwin-Williams Company. His dedication to excellence, ethical leadership and economic development extended to the Andover community, where he served as president of Promote Andover, Inc.
After retiring in 2006, Bill served 12 years as a volunteer with SCORE in various leadership roles. Bill was a leading mentor in Kansas working with small businesses.
Bill was an avid Shocker fan with an appreciation for aviation that stemmed from his pilot days. He loved boating, the outdoors, keeping busy, and spending time with family and friends. He treasured the times with his children and grandchildren and enjoyed road trips he and Amy took with family and friends.
Visitation is 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (3:00 – 5:00 p.m. with family) on Thursday, October 7th, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 8th at St. Jude Catholic Church, 3030 N. Amidon, Wichita.
Memorial contributions in Bill's memory can be made to American Heart Association or the Wichita State University Foundation.
The service will be livestreamed on https://stjudewichita.org/.