John Paul Ellis, 61, of Loda died June 24, 2018 at 10:40 a.m. at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.

There will be no services at this time. The family will have a memorial service at a later date. Baier Family Funeral Services is assisting the family with arrangements.

John was born August 15, 1956 in Wiltshire, England the son of Paul Silas and Catherine Houghton Ellis. He married Helen Riddle February 7, 1975 in Urbana. She survives.

Along with his wife of 43 years, Helen Ellis, he is survived by one son, Timothy "Beau" Ellis of Loda; one daughter, Angela (Josh) Ellis-Smith; four grandchildren, Tyler Ellis, Autumn Smith, Helene Ellis and Storm Smith all of Paxton; mother-in-law, Johanna Miller of Bayles Lake, Loda; and one brother, Francis Ellis. John also will be greatly missed by a lot of people especially his lifelong friend Calvin Jordon and his "second" son, Jason Normile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Silas Ellis and Catherine Houghton Ellis Toler and one sister, Mary Ann.

John grew up in Rantoul. He served in the U.S. Army 1977-1980. He then returned to this area until his death. He worked in the Rantoul city schools for 37 years, retiring last year.

John was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and teaching everything he knew to others, especially kids. He greatly enjoyed his animals, especially his dogs, Brittanys and field trialing. He loved barbecuing and cooking.

John went out of his way to help others and enjoyed making others happy.

Memorials may be made to the National Brittany Dog Rescue or any local horse rescue. Condolences may be offered at www.baierfuneralservices.com.