Vernon R. (Sonny) Ellis, 75, of Hermann, MO passed away Monday, November 8, 2021 at Hermann Stonebridge.
Vernon was born in Rhineland, MO on September 23, 1946, the son of the late Vernon (Babe) and Theresa (VanBooven) Ellis.
He was united in marriage to Janet Stiers (who survives at the home) on June 7, 1969, at St. Martin's Church, Starkenburg, MO.
He is also survived by two sons, Cody Ellis (and partner Jamie Mires) of Hermann, MO and Derek Ellis (and wife Andrea) of Kansas City, Missouri, and by four grandchildren, Madison and Logan Ellis of Hermann, Missouri and Brady and Kambree Ellis of Kansas City, MO.
Also surviving are two brothers, Vincent Ellis (and wife Ann) of Lee's Summit, MO and Russell Ellis (and wife Michelle) of Fruita, CO. Also sisters-in-law Mildred VanBooven of St. Peters, MO, Kathy Heberle (and husband Ron) of Hermann, MO, Julaine Stiers (and husband Paul Land) of Columbia, MO and one brother-in-law Larry Stiers (and wife Cathy Hall) of St. Louis MO and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Norman and Anna Mae Stiers, and a half-brother, Ralph VanBooven.
He was a member of St. George Church and a lifetime member of the Hermann VFW Post 4182 where he has served as Chaplain and often volunteered as the bartender.
After graduation from St. George High School in 1964, he volunteered for service in the U. S. Army and was extremely proud of his military service. He was stationed in Germany for 15 months, then volunteered to go to Vietnam for 14 months and attained the rank of E-5.
Vernon also worked at Chrysler Auto Plant, a bartender at Sharp Corner Tavern, a Police Officer for the City of Hermann and retired from Ameren Callaway Nuclear Plant where he worked for over 30 years as a Security Officer.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, working to train his horses, traveling to the Western States, dutch oven cooking, and was an avid reader. He liked to tell stories and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 10th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Toedtmann-Grosse Funeral Home, Hermann.
Funeral mass will be held Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Church of the Risen Savior, Rhineland, with Father Philip Niekamp officiating.
Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Rhineland, MO with full military honors.
The family requests memorials to VFW Post #4182. C/O Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.