Rev. Willis J. Elliott

Elliott, Rev. Willis James Elliott, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, entered eternal life, April 25, 2011. Willis was born on May 12, 1924 at Washington, KS to Andrew and Josie (Burnett) Elliott. He was a graduate of Morrowville High School, Morrowville, KS, Westmar College, LeMars, Iowa, and Evangelical Theological Seminary, Naperville, IL. He was a member of the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during WWII. Willis served thirty years as senior pastor in the following churches: Bern Evangelical United Brethren in Bern, KS, Trinity Evangelical United Brethren in Kansas City, MO, Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Wichita, and Otterbein/Bunker Hill United Methodist Churches in Russell, KS. He retired from the pastorate in 1985. He was a chaplain for the Wichita Police Dept. for many years, and a member of the Wichita Police Reserves. He worked at Johnson’s Garden Center as Greenhouse Manager for several years. Later he became Facilities Manager at First United Methodist Church, then a member of the Pastoral Care Team. Willis enjoyed volunteering at Botanica, Open Door Klothes Kloset, Riverside Hospital and Exploration Place. He particularly loved gardening and spending time with family, his source of joy and support. Willis was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Glenn and Wayne. Remaining are his loving wife, Beth of nearly 60 years; son, Kevin (Mary) Elliott of Andover, daughter, Kerry (John) Doll of Wichita; grandchildren, Andrew, Carrie (Matt), Adam (Abbé), Anna (Justin), Aaron (Jessie); great-grandchildren, Nathan, Jacob, Wilson, Dakota, Creyton, Maggie. A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 29, at First United Methodist Church in Wichita. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church or Botanica, The Wichita Gardens. The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to Progressive Hospice for the compassionate care and support given to Willis and his family during his final days. Condolences may be offered at www.devorssflanaganhunt.com.