Frederick ( Fred) Lee Ellison 80, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2017 in his daughter's home surrounded by his loved ones in Goodyear, Arizona. Fred was born in November 5, 1936 in Bedford, Indiana to William and Edith Ellison. He graduated from Shawswick High School in 1954 where he participated in several sports and activities including cross-country, marching band, 4-H club and agriculture. In 1955, he married Annabelle Padgett Ellison and shortly thereafter moved to Phoenix, Arizona. They raised two beautiful daughters while maintaining a career as a Teamster Union member. Fred was an elite truck drive and went on to be the Teamster General Foreman at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. Fred was a devoted husband and father and was actively involved in several passions. He was a member of the Phoenix Jaycees, donated time to the Big Brothers program, Veteran Memorial of Phoenix and the Institute for the Blind Youth. Fred thoroughly enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, traveling, working on motors and running construction side jobs. Known for his beautiful blue eyes, Fred was always eager to tell another joke. Fred is survived by his two daughters, Kathy Baker (Harold)of Crossville, Tennessee and Yvonne Basl (Jack) of Goodyear, Arizona and his second wife Shirley Ellison of Bedford, Indiana. He is also survived by grandchildren, Melissa Baker, Rob Iler, Rachelle Phen and Jaclynn Basl, great-grandchildren Brittany, Kyle, Taylor, Ashley and Tatum and brother Richard Ellison(Barbara) of Bedford, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Edith Ellison, granddaughter April Baker and first wife of 43 years Annabelle Ellison (1997). A celebration of Fred's life will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 with a visitation at 11:30am followed by funeral service at 1pm at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary 7924 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona 85301. Graveside service at Resthaven Park Cemetery to follow.
Published in The Arizona Republic on June 14, 2017