Gilbert D. "Gil" Ellis Sr.

Gilbert D. "Gil" Ellis Sr., 75, of New Douglas, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at San Gabriel of Highland, IL, surrounded by family.  He was born November 16, 1950 in Granite City, IL, the son of the late Gilbert & June (Melton) Ellis.  On May 23, 1992, he married Diane "Dee" Weisbrod at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO.  They shared 23 years of marriage before her passing on October 6, 2015.

Gil graduated from Granite City High School in 1968.  He was employed by Lewis Pumps in St. Louis, MO as a Draftsman for the duration of his career.  He retired in 2012.

Gil found joy in the simple pleasures of tending to his yard, keeping the grass neatly trimmed & flowers in bloom.  His koi pond was one of his proudest projects & source of joy, especially sharing that joy with his grandkids during the "Yearly Pond Cleaning Day".  His homemade wings were a family favorite, & he never passed up a chance to enjoy them with a cold beer.  During his younger years, he enjoyed riding horses & shared that interest with his sons.

He is survived by his sons -  Don (Laura) Ellis of New Douglas, IL,  Steve (Melody) Ellis of Grantfork, IL,  &  Dave (Jennifer) Ellis of Highland, IL;  a step daughter -  Jill (Scott) Monroe of Alton, IL;  grandchildren -  Ashley Ellis,  Allison Tienes,  Maddie Trauernicht,  Andrew Tienes,  Cole Ellis,  Jessica Ellis,  Cody Ellis,  Katie Ellis,  Molly Ellis,  Landon Ellis,  &  Lexi Ellis;  three siblings -  Randy Ellis,  Linda Turner,  &  Patty Odom.  Besides his wife & parents, he was preceded in death by one brother -  Gary Ellis;  a brother-in-law -  Mel Weisbrod;  & a step son -  Chris Plag.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton, IL.  Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton, IL, with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton, IL.  

Memorials are suggested to either San Gabriel of Highland, IL,  St. Jude Children's Hospital, or to Vitas Hospice.

The family is deeply thankful for all the staff at San Gabriel who supported & cared for "Gilly" during the last two years of his life.  Your kindness, patience, & compassion brought comfort to him & to his family.

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