Kermit Harold Ellis

Kermit Harold Ellis, 94, of Spring, Texas passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. He was born February 3, 1922 on the family farm in Cistern, Texas (near Flatonia, Texas). He was preceded in death by his loving and beautiful wife of 33 years, Martha Jo. He was the son of William David Ellis and Katherine Rosa Grittman Ellis. He was preceded in death by all of his siblings, Ethel Serena Ellis Best, Oliver Alexander Ellis, Edward Bryan Ellis, Ruth Irene Ellis Hocutt, David Wilbert Ellis, Ellamae Jeanette Ellis Wrobel, James Richard Ellis, Roy Alton Ellis, and Audry Gloria Ellis Gearhart. Kermit is survived by his two sons, David Joe Ellis of Spring and Thomas Michael Ellis of Houston and his family, wife Laurie, and sons Michael Joseph Ellis, Jason Norman Ellis, and Douglas Bryan Ellis and his wife Katie.

Kermit was raised on a farm in central Texas where he helped his family plant and cultivate corn, beans, and cotton and raise hogs, cattle, and chickens. He attended a one-room school house. He assisted his family through the Great Depression by joining the US Civilian Conservation Corps, where he was involved in building campgrounds and facilities in Carson National Forest in New Mexico and Bastrop State Park in Texas.

Kermit enlisted in the United States Army in October 1942. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant and served in Company K, 382nd Infantry Regiment, of the 96th Infantry Division. The Division known as the Deadeyes, because of their superior skills of marksmanship, was awarded the US Presidential Unit Citation and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. As a platoon leader in the Pacific Theater, Kermit fought on Leyte Island in the battle for the liberation of the Philippines and in the invasion of Okinawa Island, Japan, where he was seriously wounded. Upon his recovery he returned to the front lines and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star medals in recognition of his service. After his honorable discharge from the Army in January 1946 he moved to Houston.

Kermit began a career in the wholesale automotive parts industry and eventually retired as the Purchasing Director for Neumeyer Motor Parts. On June 23, 1951 he married the love of his life, Martha, and they lovingly raised two sons. Kermit and Martha joined First United Methodist Church of Houston in 1951 and remained faithful members of the church and the Quillian Sunday school class for the remainder of their lives. Kermit was a Master Mason and had been a member for over sixty years of Gray Lodge #329 AF & AM of Houston.

After his retirement Kermit led a very active and joyful life. He enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine, watching the birds and the rest of nature and reminiscing on his storied life. He loved eating fried catfish and enjoyed going out to eat dinner with his many friends and acquaintances. He frequently attended Houston Symphony Pops concerts and Broadway plays.

Kermit was an avid traveler and especially enjoyed taking trips on the train. He made site seeing trips to twenty-one different states. He began a quest to attend a baseball game in every major league stadium. He developed an interest in genealogy. One of Kermit’s most memorable vacations was a visit to Moredock, Illinois and Maeystown, Illinois where he discovered and explored the birthplaces of his father and mother. Kermit enjoyed attending reunions of the 96th Infantry Division, beginning with their 51st reunion in Nashville, Tennessee. He had a deep devotion and respect for the comradeship of his veteran buddies, and he looked forward to exchanging stories about their exploits of days gone by. He also admired the military service of three of his brothers during World War II and that of each of his three grandsons during the Middle East conflicts.

Visitation with the family will be on Sunday, March 20 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm in Forest Park-Westheimer funeral home chapel, located at 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 21 at 10:00 am in the chapel at Forest Park-Westheimer. Interment will follow at the adjacent cemetery. Pallbearers are Michael Ellis, Jason Ellis, Wilbert Ellis, Timothy Ellis, Eric Jenkins, and Robbie Culpepper. Honorary pallbearers are grandson Douglas Ellis, and nephews Dr. Scott Ellis and Terry Gearhart.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, Houston, TX.