John Ely

John Adam Ely entered the Kingdom Triumphant on October 20th, 2006 to be with his Lord and Savior. Born on September 3, 1926 in Wetmore, Kansas, John was the only son of Ethel Mae Trapp and Clyde Patton Ely. John grew up with his three sisters, Estella, Mary Ann and Mable. He was preceded in death by his sister Mable. John attended and graduated from Wetmore schools and took classes at both Washburn University and the University of Kansas where he studied accounting. He moved to Topeka where he was employed by Southwick Automotive for almost 40 years. John then kept himself busy by working at Aldersgate Village in Maintenance and Security.
John was married to Jo Ann Rutherford from 1951 until their divorce in 1979. John and Jo Ann had four children - Ann Catherine "Kay" who is married to Dr. Paul Decelles, Barbara Gayle, who is married to Rodney Heptig, John Patton, who passed away in 1973 at the age of 19 and James William, who is married to Patti Patton. John is survived by his 8 grandchildren - Brad, John, Kim, Emily, Bret, Courtney, Jeff and Rachael and 4 great grandchildren, John Robert, Brenden, Alex and Alysen.

While in Holton, John was active in the Methodist Church and Odd Fellows, serving as an officer. In Topeka, John was active in Parents without Partners, serving as President, and with the East Topeka Senior Center. John had a rare sense of humor and will be greatly missed. It is suspected John died of cod liver oil poisoning, but this cannot be confirmed at this time.

Mr. Ely will lie in state after 1:00 pm, Monday, Oct. 23, 2006 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 pm that evening. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home with burial to follow in the Wetmore Cemetery in Wetmore, Kan.

Memorial contributions may be made to the East Topeka Senior Center, 1114 SE. 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66607 or to the charity of the donor's choice.