Keith 'Pike' Ellis

Aug. 21, 1933 - June 8, 2007

STRATTON -- Keith "Pike" Ellis died Friday, June 8, 2007, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska at the age of 73.

He was born August 21, 1933 in Benkelman, Nebraska the son of the late John and Alice (Sparks) Ellis. He grew up in Benkelman, Nebraska where he received his education.

He entered the United States Army on August 5, 1953 during the Korean Conflict in the Medivac Division for the U.S. Army. He received his Honorable Discharge from the Army on June 10, 1955.

On February 14, 1972 Keith married Mariquit "Kit" Panopio in Saigon, South Vietnam and also in Manila, Philippines. They have made their home in Stratton, Nebraska since 1972. During Keith's life he worked on Missile sites in Florida, Colorado and Wyoming. He worked as a payroll manager for construction in Saigon, South Vietnam for Morrison - Knudsen from 1966 to 1972,

He came back to Nebraska and started the Stratton Recreation Club with friends in 1974. He was a District Manager of M -K Construction in Saudi Arabia from 1977 to 1979 building the King Khalid Military City. At Stratton he was a member of the Stratton Fire Department, engaged in operating a gravel hauling business and owned a bar and restaurant business for 20 years. He was never tired of helping people in their needs and anything anyone wanted.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Joyce Suttle, two brothers Jim Ellis and Richard Ellis and brothers-in-law Robert Arnold, Alfonso Panopio, and Romulo Panopio.

Keith is survived by his wife Kit of Stratton, sons, Duster Ellis and fiancee Janelle Ostransky of Bellevue, Nebraska, William Ellis of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Steve Suttle and wife Phyllis of Broomfield, Colorado and one daughter, Debbie McCullough and husband Mike of Severance, Colorado, grandchildren, great grandchildren. One brother, Lyle Ellis and wife Delma of Parker, Colorado; two sisters, Shirley Raymond and husband Charles of Wray, Colorado; and Dorothy Jean Arnold of Benkelman, Nebraska; Sisters-in-law Mary Lou Walwer of Winter Haven, Florida; Christine and Romeo Lansang of Rancho Cucamonga, California; Pauline and Andrew Wise of Gainesville, Florida; AnaLisa and June Aratea of Ridgecrest, California; RoseMarie and Steve Wallace of San Antonio, Texas; brother-in-law Paul Panopio of Jacksonville, Florida; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, 10 a.m. (CT), 9 a.m. (MT) at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman, with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Rose Hill Cemetery at Stratton.

Memorials may be given in his name and friends may call Herrmann Funeral Home in Trenton from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.