KINGSDOWN, KANSAS - Gilbert Jack Ellis was born July 8, 1936 at Trinity Hospital, Dodge City, Kansas.  Parents were Claude and Emma (Hirt) Ellis. He passed away April 22, 2024 at Hill Top House, Bucklin.

He was a 1954 graduate of Kingsdown High School. Gilbert and LaVonne Davis were married Christmas Eve, December 24, 1955 at Kingsdown. Gilbert spent his life in the Kingsdown area, living on the homeplace south of Kingsdown, with a passion for farming and ranching. They raised 3 children, Jack, Stan and Jerry. He loved collecting farm and ranch antiques, his cattle buying trips, and he never knew a stranger.

Gilbert is survived by his wife of 68 years, LaVonne of Kingsdown, three children: Jack (Julie) Ellis of Bucklin; Stan (Kim) Ellis of Bucklin and Jerry Ellis of Kingsdown, Kansas. Gilbert loved and was proud of his grandchildren: Chris (fiance Stephanie); Curtis (Brekk); Ashley (Dillon); Clark (Katherine); Troy (Miranda); Tommy (Danielle); Tim (Tara); Heather and Cody. Step-grandchildren: Jason (Alison) and Erin (Tyler)and 19 great-grandchildren. In-laws, Lola Mae Shea; Fred and Jeannie Miller; Marilyn Ellis and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Billy Dean, Duane, Ronald Dale, sisters, Norma June (Dewey) Scheufler and Vila Mae (Jim) Cuer, in-laws, Dick Shea, Allen and Doris Lubbers, and future daughter-in-law, Brenda Mead.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, April 27, 2024 at the Bucklin Bible Fellowship Church (formerly Bucklin United Methodist Church) with Pastor Sam Lufiyele officiating.  Burial will follow in the Bucklin Cemetery.  Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday at Minnis Mortuary, Bucklin.

The family suggests memorials to the Ford County Station #4 Volunteers in care of Minnis Mortuary, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.