John Howard Ellis

Memorial Service for John Howard Ellis, 79, of Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma, will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gore, Oklahoma, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

John was born on August 28, 1946, in Helena, Montana, to Anita Louise (Walker) Ellis and Robert Alexander Ellis. He passed away on August 17, 2026, at his home at Lake Tenkiller.

John was a devoted outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, working puzzles, karaoke, and spending time with his many friends and members of his community. He took great pride in his profession as a Nuclear Engineer and remained passionate about the work he did throughout his career. John was deeply involved in his community and dedicated his time and talents to several organizations. He was a member of the Greater Tenkiller Association, served on the board of the Sequoyah County Water Association, was a member of S.T.I.R. (Save the Illinois River), was a part of the Oklahoma Ozarks Tourism Association (OOTA), and was involved with the Gore Chamber of Commerce. He also proudly served in the United States Navy Reserve.

John will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, his commitment to his community, his professional dedication, and, most of all, the friendships and relationships he built throughout his life. He leaves behind many cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his companion, Brenda Gilmore of the home; the mother of his children, Angie Ellis of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his son, Aaron Ellis and Heather of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma; his bonus children, Ron Girnus of Sacramento, California, Todd Girnus and Danielle of Arlington, Texas, Paul Girnus of Miami, Florida, Vanessa Efremsky and Roger of Cohasset, California, and Kevin Burton of Franklin, Arkansas; 11 grandchildren, Xander, Arilyn, Chesney, Madilyn, Blake, Kambree, Kiersten, Lillian, Audree, Elle, and Porter; two great-grandchildren, Dawson and Parker; three brothers, Hollie Ellis of Seattle, Washington, Robb Ellis of Helena, Montana, and Quinten Ellis of Aydlett, North Carolina; one sister, Ruth Ann Greer of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter-in-law, Mellonie Hickman; and several other relatives and friends.

John was preceded in death by his two sons, Sean Ellis and Heath Ellis; his parents; and one sister, Anita O'Neil.

Viewing will be from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday at Agent Millsap Event Center in Gore, Oklahoma.