Kenneth D. Ellis

Reverend Kenneth D. Ellis, 84, of Columbus, took his first breath in Heaven sitting at the feet of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, October 4, 2021. 

Ken was born in Detroit, Michigan to Eural D. and S. Iris Ellis on January 1, 1937. He was a graduate of East Detroit High School, Olivet Nazarene College and The Nazarene Theological Seminary. Ken married the love of his life Janet, in August, 1958. Following seminary, Ken and Jan pastored Churches of the Nazarene in Johnstown, Delaware, Galion and Columbus. He was very active on the Central Ohio District of the Church of the Nazarene, having served positions on many district boards over the years. Ken loved his family. Ken cherished family gatherings with all of his family. He also was an avid sports fan. Having grown up in “the state up north,” Ken, reluctantly at first, became a Buckeye, through and through. He also was a fan of the Reds, Tigers and Clippers.

He is preceded in death by his sister Eileen Havener and brother Cecil. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Janet; sons and daughters-in-law Kent and Roma and Kevin and Julie; grandchildren Bethany, Marcus (Katie), Evan, Jeroen, David and Olivia; and several nieces and nephews.

Ken’s family will receive friends 9–10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Obetz Church of the Nazarene 4101 Groveport Rd. Obetz, OH 43207 where his funeral will follow at 10:30. Burial at Glen Rest Memorial Estate, Reynoldsburg. Arrangements under the care of Cotner Funeral Home, Reynoldsburg. Contributions in Ken’s memory may be made to the Obetz Church of the Nazarene, Church Building Fund. 

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