Roby Ellis, an 83-year-old Trenton resident, passed away at 9:31 a.m., Wednesday, July 20, 2021 at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton.
Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Resthaven Mortuary of Trenton. Pastor Lori Kiehl officiated.
Special music included “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Amazing Grace”.
The body was cremated following the services with inurnment to be held at a later date in South Evans Cemetery.
Resthaven Mortuary of Trenton was in charge of arrangements.
Harold Ceasar Roby Ellis was was born southeast of Spickard on January 27, 1939 to William Leland Sr. and Martha Jane Avery Ellis. He grew up with seven siblings and attended seven different schools and a mechanic trade school in Kansas City.
He hauled hay, farmed and drove a milk truck before entering the United States Army in 1961. He drove a gas tanker in the 1st Armored Division in Fort Hood, TX. During the Cuban Crisis, the 1st armored division was lifted to Florida where they trained to fight in the tropics and were put on troop ships ten miles from shore for ten days while diplomats worked on a solution. They then convoyed back to Texas.
Roby came home in November 1963 where he farmed, drove a milk truck and did custom baling and hauling. He also drove an 18-wheeler and built houses and apartments.
He met Sandra Raye Batson in 1972 and married her July 21 of that year. They bought a farm west of Rural Dale Church. Sandra passed away January 26, 1991 due to cancer.
Roby retired when he was injured in a truck accident in 2001. After his twin brother Leroy retired, they decided to start flea marketing. They set up in Rutledge, Colony and Pattonsburg and drove to gas and steam shows in 6 different states. They had to quit in 2008 when Roby lost the use of his legs and couldn™t drive anymore.
Surviving relatives include his son, Lee Harold Ellis of Trenton; his twin brother, Gerold Leroy Ellis of Trenton; seven nieces and nephews; and one cousin.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Leland Ellis Jr.; and five sisters, Mary Carolyn Lewellen, Margaret Belle Ellis, Phyllis Joan Ellis, Phoebe Joyce Ellis and Clelda Rose Luzenberg.
Online condolences may be left at www.resthavenmort.com
