Ellis F. Closser, 77, of Sedalia, died Monday, February 3, 2014. He was born in Pleasant Green, Missouri, son of James and Bessie (Shumate) Closser. Ellis and his life long friend, Patricia McFatrich, were married July 16, 1994. Patty survives of the home. Ellis and Lynda Hendershot were married on May 17, 1958. She preceded Ellis in death on October 30, 1993.

Ellis graduated from Smith Cotton High School in 1955. Attending Jefferson Elementary School, he was one of the "East End Boys". As a young man, he worked for the Sedalia Ice Company before moving to Kansas City. Ellis worked for Fleming Foods and then retired from Associated Wholesale Grocers. Ellis was a long-time member of the Teamster's Union in Kansas City, Kansas. He was extremely proud of his continued membership. Ellis retired to Sedalia and worked for OATS as the Sedalia City route driver. He always said this was the best job he ever had.

Ellis was also proud of his Native American heritage. His great grandparents were Cherokee Indians, making him 1/4 Cherokee. He enjoyed watching westerns, especially those featuring his hero, John Wayne.

Ellis is survived by 3 children, Steven Closser and his wife, Patty, of Blue Springs, Pamela Oldhan and her husband, James of Liberty and Karla Nimmo of Jefferson City; 3 step children, LaDonna Meuschke and her husband, Tracy, of Cole Camp, George McFatrich, Jr., of the home and Tricia Hefley and her husband, Ben, of Sedalia; 7 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; his sister, Betty Weller and many, many great friends.

Ellis was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers and a sister.

Funeral services will be at 2:00pm, Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Ewing-Schutte-Semler Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Downing, Jr. officiating. Pallbearers will be John Higgins, Jack Shepard, Bill Rabourn, Eugene Weller, Chris Weller and Ethan Weller. Burial will be in Olive Branch Cemetery.

Ellis' family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 until 7:30pm, Wednesday, February 5, 2014.

Memorial contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers to Sedalia OATS Transportation in care of the funeral home.

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