John Edward Ellis lived a physically challenged life with courageous grit, enthusiastic determination, and a cheerful, optimistic outlook that endeared him to family, friends and co-workers. He was born in Massillon, Ohio on October 22, 1964. His physical challenges began early with a flight to a clinic in Philadelphia to have eye surgery at four months old. A second surgery was performed at six months. The surgeries were successful but he was considered legally blind. At three years old he was diagnosed with type one diabetes and faced daily insulin injections throughout his his life. The complications continued to plague him, but he persevered with admirable durability. His elementary school years were spent in Lakewood, Ohio where he initially attended a Montessori school that emphasized learning basic tasks requiring dexterity. From there he returned to public schools and ultimately graduated from Johnston High School, a court-ordered desegregated school with an inclusive mix of Black, White, and Hispanic students, in Austin, Texas. While there he began an internship at a top rated rated radio station, K98. He had been an ardent listener of radio music since his earliest years rather than staying glued to a TV set. This interest remained throughout his life. He graduated from Otterbein University in Columbus, Ohio in 1987. Unsurprisingly, he majored in radio communications and was a stalwart announcer on the college radio station. During summer vacations he worked at K98 in Austin honing his radio skills. Upon graduation he became the manager and morning host on K-LITE in Victoria, Texas. He guided the station to remarkable success where it received a number one evaluation in the Arbitron ratings competing against radio stations with powerful signals of 100,000 watts while K-LITE had only 3000 watts. Unfortunately, federal rule changes dramatically altered the radio landscape. K-LITE had to be sold, effectively ending his radio career since radio jobs dried up. On the radio John E enjoyed using different voices. One of his favorites was calling an out of town station while his friend Barry Kaye was on the air. John E became “Skeeter,” a twangy-voiced country seer, who opined impolitic ideas while Barry sparred with him. They were humorous. Great radio. John E joined the office of the Texas Comptroller as a communications specialist in 2001 where he worked diligently for more than twenty years until he passed away on June 15, 2022. John E loved his family and delighted in time with them, most recently Easter 2022 in Sarasota. He married Carmen Duarte on March 10, 2012 in Wimberley, TX. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carmen; his parents, John and Carolyn Ellis of New Braunfels, TX; and three sisters: Linda McNeill and her husband, Trevor, of Pipersville, PA; Jeanine Ellis and husband Tom Klausing, of Powell, OH; Jeanette Hale and husband, Glen, of Sarasota, FL; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. John E loved his Lord Jesus and knew his strength and grace flowed from above. His physical issues multiplied and finally overcame his courageous resistance. The Lord called him home to Paradise at last, providing complete healing to refresh him throughout eternity. We will remember John E's bright personality and life with great admiration and affection. He will be profoundly missed. A Service will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 10:00AM and the EdenHill Communities Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to the Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop, Austin, TX 78702 or The American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA, 2216
