Herschel Wayne Ellis, 93 of Albany passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at an Albany hospital. Herschel, the son of John Edgar and Lusetta (Ashlock) Ellis was born October 31, 1915 in Darlington, Missouri. On November 18, 1933, Herschel was united in marriage to his grade school sweetheart, Tess Stegman. To this union five children were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Tess; daughter Joy Davis; son-in-law Harry McCoy; grandchildren, Norma Joy Davis, Norman Dewey Davis II, Carla Maxine Ellis; brothers, Cecil, Leo, James and George Ellis and a sister Wilma Masoner. Herschel volunteered to military service with the US Army during World War II. He served in the European Theater under the command of General George Patton and General Dwight Eisenhower. He was awarded 3 Bronze Stars among many medals and commendations from European Countries. Following his discharge from the Army in 1946, Herschel worked for Pattijohn Garage and the Missouri Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1980. Herschel was a member of the First Baptist Church of Albany, 50 year plus member of the Athens Lodge #127 A.F. & A.M., Albany, Hunter Chapter #238 of the Order of the Eastern Star, Stanberry and VFW Post #6525 in Rockdale, Texas. Survivors: Daughters, JoAnne McCoy, Troy, TX; Neita (Jerry) Clark, New Hampton, MO; Sons, Jim Ellis, Gentry, MO; Carl Ellis, Albany; Son-in-law, Norman Davis, Albany; Brother, JC (Effie) Ellis, St. Joseph, MO; Brother-in-law, Burt (Katie) Stegman, Albany; Sister-in-law, Margie Wharton, St. Joseph, MO; Many cousins, nephews, nieces, other relatives, friends and neighbors. His pride and joy was his 21 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.