Richard Ellis

Minister Richard E. Ellis, 60, of Los Angeles, California went home to be with the Lord on November 19, 2019 after a short period of illness. He was surrounded by family and love ones during the days and times leading up to his passing. Minister Richard Ellis was born on August 21, 1959 in South Bend Indiana to the union of Roland M. Ellis Sr. and Mabel Tidwell-Ellis who preceded him in death.

Richard attended St. Joseph and John Adams high school and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana State University. At that time, he was inducted into the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. After graduation from college Richard moved to Los Angeles, California where he was employed as an Engineer for 35 years. Richard was responsible for assisting in the design of key projects such as walkway lights on most 747 airplanes. He was quite the designer and very proud of his work with Northrop Grumman and other major engineering companies. His passion and expertise was working with electronic design and computer technology.

Richard was united in Holy matrimony to Nancy Chambers on December 30, 1983. He is the proud father of three children, Aaron Ellis, Richina Ellis and Jameelah (Terry) Dayton. One of the joys of his life was being a grandfather to five grandchildren, Jada, Gabriela, Aaron, Euniece and Jatarius. He loved to spoil them with shopping sprees to the mall.

Two years ago, Richard retired and moved back to South Bend from Los Angeles. He transferred his church membership to Living Water Church of God in Christ where he accepted his calling to the Lord in November of 2018. Becoming part of the ministerial staff of Living Water Church, he completed his first sermon on November 6, 2017. His final sermon was on Father’s Day June 16, 2019, expressing the love of his grandchildren, daughters and son. His message focused on “The importance of being a strong father.” Richard was a faithful servant of the Lord serving as the lead financial officer for the church, President of the Young Men’s Christian Council, serving on the Deacon Board, and coordinating the Audio Visual & Technology Department during church services. He organize and coordinated the computer lab during the Children’s Tutoring Program (specializing in the building of robots). He also enjoyed grilling ribs for the family, watching Notre Dame football and spending time in the yard of his newly purchased home.  

Survivors left to cherish his memory include three sisters, Judith Walton of South Bend, IN. Pastor Carolyn Gooden and Rosalind (James) Ellis-Husband of Granger, Indiana. One brother, Roland M. Ellis Jr. of Kokomo, Indiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. "Ricky," as we so fondly called him, will be missed by all of the family and friends that dearly loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Mabel Ellis; and his brother Michael Tidwell.

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