John Olin Ellis Sr

MEXICO – John Olin Ellis Sr., 76, of Mexico, passed away on Feb. 28, 2023 at his home in Mexico.

He was born on Oct. 7, 1946 in Rumford, the son of Grace Ellis and Clarence Drake. John attended school in Carthage and Dixfield where he was a member of football and baseball teams for Dirigo High School. When he was 10 years old (1956) he had the privilege to be on the Dave Astor Show on WCSH TV.

Right after graduation John was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean DMZ conflict. His life was filled with stories which one he moved to North Carolina in 1977 residing with Charlie and Lorraine before moving back to Maine in 1981. He began working at Bath Iron Works until his retirement in 2002 and went on many sea trials while working there. He always took great pride in the work that he did at BIW.

John had many adventures on the water being part of the last log drive on the Kennebec River. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, boating, riding his side by side and Salmon fishing in New York with the Carriers. He settled in Carthage, building a beautiful house on the Webb River, and spent much of his time feeding the birds and deer that would come around. Most of all John loved women and running the roads, always being in a hurry to go absolutely nowhere.

He is survived by two brothers Ronald Ellis of Carthage and Kenny Blanchard of Mexico; children Mary Beth and (James) Allen of Mexico, John Ellis JR and (Debbie) Landry of Wilton, Melissa Ellis and (Gary Warren) of Peru, Shon Ellis and (Tina White) of Carthage, Andrew Ellis and (Kristy Willette) of Biddeford; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will all miss him dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Elizabeth; a new born Ricky Ellis; and a daughter, Terri; his stepfather, Minot Flagg; sister-in-law, Gloria; best friends Mike Soubble and Charlie Smith; and a special dog, Trucker; and the mother of his children, Mary L. Ellis and Linda Hobert.

The family invites you to a time of visitation on Thursday March 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thibault Remembrance Center, 250 Penobscot St., Rumford. A Celebration of Life will be celebrated on Friday March 10 at 11 a.m. at Thibault Remembrance Center in Rumford. A committal service with Military Honors will take place in the spring in Carthage.

You may offer your condolences or memories at http://www.thibaultremembrancecenter.com