Stewart E. Ellison Jr.

Stewart E. Ellison Jr., 74 , of Holden, MO, formerly of Washington, passed away on November 27, 2021. Stewart, son of the late Stewart Ellison Sr. and Bettie nee Campbell, was born on October 27, 1947 in Fort Bragg, NC.  On February 14, 1974, he was united in marriage to Helen Brunk in Yuma, AZ.  A diamond ring hidden as a prize in a cracker jack box lead to a love affair spanning almost 50 years with his beloved wife, Helen.

Mr. Ellison retired as a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps after serving more than 20 years, with his wife serving proudly beside him. Stew was awarded Recruiter of the Year 3 years in a row and was honored with the Marine Corps saber which John Glen, an American astronaut, presented to him.

He enjoyed being Stew-Pa to their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Because they loved their kids and family, they would travel hours just to see them. As sight-seeing was part of the journey, he always lovingly referred to Helen as his GPS and Officer Helen for her input on his driving.

He shared many joys in life with Helen, since they were both competitive and enjoyed winning. He loved to laugh while telling stories about their mishaps and adventures and shared a joy for the creative arts.

He was an illustrator for many years in the Marines, as well as a recruiter.  He was a hard worker and held a variety of jobs throughout his life, such as a Private Investigator, Car Salesman and even an In-Home Care Provider.

He was a movie buff and enjoyed introducing family to great movies such as Star Wars. He was also a loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan and enjoyed watching football with Helen.

He loved pets, even taking care of a few strays along the way.  His current fur baby, Meg, brought lots of joy and laughs to him along with her 9 puppies last year.

Since Stew loved owls and collected them, Helen included them in their home. Stew said that owls represented to him "Only with Love," which is how both of them lived their lives: only with love for their family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, his parents and his sister, Vicki Ellison.

Among his survivors are three children, Michele Waters and husband Patrick of Mechanicsville, MD, Darin Ellison and wife Audra of Pleasant Hill, MO, and Stacey Walsh of Sarasota, FL; siblings, Donald Ellison, James Ellison, Allen Ellison, and Valerie Ellison; grandchildren, Joshua and Sarah Waters, Jessica Peraud, Amanda Reinhardt, Virginia Smith, Rebekah Mohart, Ashley Smith, Jessica Smith, Taylor Smith, Brittani Scott, and Marissa Walsh; eighteen great-grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 10-11 a.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Interment with full military honors will be in the Brush Creek Cemetery in Gray Summit. Memorial donations can be made to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation or charity of your choice.

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