Clyde William Ellis Sr., 87, of Centralia passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026. He was born on May 25, 1939, in Carbondale, the son of Leroy and Juanita (McCall) Ellis. He married Kathy Marlain on February 15, 1981, in Centralia, and she preceded him in death on August 8, 2017.

Survivors include his children, Thomas Gene (Jennifer) Ellis of Centralia, Donald Lee (Agnes) Ellis of Washington, Clyde William (Rhonda) Ellis Jr. of Nashville, Dawna Kay (Bradley) Cooley of Olney; thirteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Mary Newell of West Frankfort, and Linda Clark of Leavenworth, Kansas; several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Clyde was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gary L. Ellis, and Lewis Ellis; sister, Emma Carrington

Clyde worked as a laborer for Egyptian Concrete of Salem, where his dedication to hard work was appreciated. He served in the United States Navy with pride, stationed for two years in Chicago. Clyde was a true outdoorsman who loved to hunt, especially for rabbit and squirrel. He also enjoyed being by the water, fishing from the bank for anything that would bite. Clyde will be deeply missed and forever remembered by family and friends.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia, where military rites will be accorded by Centralia VFW Post 2055 American Legion Post 446. Interment will be private at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home on Thursday in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Clyde’s honor to the American Legion Post 446. Online condolences and memories of Clyde may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.