Richard Bryant Ellis Jr.

Richard Bryant Ellis Jr. of Kokomo, Indiana, went to be with the Lord on October 1, 2023 with family by his side. He was born on January 6, 1935 in Mississippi and was the eldest son to Frances Elizabeth and Richard Bryant Ellis Sr. He grew up in West, Mississippi where he loved to fish and hunt with his father. He proudly served the United States Air Force and was an exceptional athlete. Richard graduated from Mississippi State, with a degree in engineering, in 1957. He later moved to Indiana where he met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Praed. They married on July 12, 1958 and lived happily ever after for 65 wonderful years. They made their home in Kokomo, and he worked for General Motors for almost 40 years. They had three beautiful daughters.

His life was full of competition and talent; from being the best cheerleader for his daughters and grandchildren in sports and plays, to Diamond Life Master bridge player, master gardener, and woodworking phenomenon, he never ceased to amaze those around him. Over 50,000 bridge hands were played with partner Jim Davis around the country (winning of course). While at home, he devoted his time to woodworking in his infamous workshop and gardening in his prestigious yard. Richard created numerous beautiful wood pieces that were given to family and bought by admirers, and Kokomo residents would stop by his home to praise his beautiful backyard. His talent knew no bounds. As many knew, his greatest love was Mississippi. When he was not playing bridge, creating dust in his workshop or gardening, you could find him hunting and fishing on his childhood land. He loved taking his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren on unforgettable adventures. You can take the boy out of Mississippi, but can never take Mississippi out of the boy.

Richard Ellis is survived by his wife, Mary Ellis; brother, Gowan (Kay) Ellis; three daughters, Debbie (Mark) Poppas, Linda (Steve) Caracciolo, and Lisa (Tim) Johnson; six grandchildren, Sara (Michael) Berry, Chris Johnson, Vanetta (Jeffrey) Bylinowski, Jessica Johnson, Stephanie (Mitch) Johnson-Brinkworth, and George (Kendal) Poppas; and seven great-grandchildren, Haddie, Ellie and Wells Berry; Remington, Nadia and Maverick Bylinowski; Jay and Emerie (expecting) Poppas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Richard Ellis.

A celebration of life will be held from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, on Thursday, October 12th. A burial service will be held on October 14th at his home in Mississippi.