Dwain was afflicted with Alzheimer’s in the last six years of his life. He was lovingly cared for by Bonnie, his wife, and later by Craig and Debbie Ellis, his son and daughter-in-law, in their home for his final 18 months of life.
Dwain was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Walter and Hallie Naomi Ellis (nee Qualls) and his first wife, Barbara Jo Ellis (nee Hickman). Survivors: his wife, Bonnie Lee Ellis (nee Hoover), daughters Becky (Kenny) Douglas and Pamela (Daniel) Johnson and son, Craig (Debbie) Ellis. Grandfather to Justin (Meliss), Garret, and Brandon Douglas, Jordan and Jared Johnson, and Nicolas (Jennifer) and Matt (Abby) Ellis. Step-grandfather to Chris Douglas and Ron and Grace Sagun. Great-grandfather to Noah and Amaya Ellis and Riley Douglas. Brother to David (Donna) Ellis, Uncle to Deanna Chang (nee Ellis), Dorie Haller (nee Ellis), and Daniel (Kristina) Ellis.
Dwain grew up in the church and in the farming community of Allen, NE. He graduated from the Friends Bible Academy high school and Barclay College, formerly Friends Bible College, in Haviland, KS. He met Barbara in college, they married in 1961, and started their family. Upon Dwain receiving his theology degree, he moved his family to Las Animas, CO, where he served as the pastor of the Friends’ Church with Barbara at his side. After Barbara’s passing, he married Bonnie in 1989. Bonnie became a mother to Dwain’s children and their families, and she is deeply cherished. God blessed Dwain with two wonderful wives, Bonnie and Barbara, who partnered with him to minister, shared his love of music and singing, and their love of the piano.
Dwain combined his true passions of serving his God through ministry, being a devoted family man, creating and leading his businesses, working relentlessly, and enjoying the out-of-doors to support his family. He farmed, pastored, trimmed trees, purchased and ran an AMOCO service station, started a wrecker service, and built and rented storage units. He enjoyed restoring antique John Deere tractors and showing them at parades and tractor pulls. He included his Lord, ministry, family, and friends in his endeavors!
Our loving Dwain, a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend will be greatly missed. He is now living with Our Father in celebration.
A celebration of life will be held March 12, 2022 at 11 a.m. in the first Presbyterian Church of Las Animas, Sixth and Maple. Reverend Charles Kelly will officiate.
The Dwain Ellis memorial has been established with: First Presbyterian Church – Memorial Fund, PO Box 147, Las Animas, Colorado 81054.