Ellis Holleman

Ellis Vest Holleman, 82, died at 2:55 p.m., Sunday, December 27, 2015 at Jersey Community Hospital inJerseyville, surrounded by his daughter and their family.He was born in Orchardville, Il. on Feb. 12, 1933, and was the son of the late John & Leta (Vest) Holleman.Ellis graduated from high school in Orchardville, and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and served with the U.S. Air Force.  After his honorable discharge, he returned to his hometown and began teaching 4th and 5th grade, as well coaching basketball and softball.  He moved to Jerseyville, when he began his long, succesful career in insurance.  He came to Jerseyville as a representative with Country Companies, and soon began working as a claims adjustor for Western States Insurance Company out of Pekin, for 30 years before going out on his own, and owning and operating, Holleman Claims Services.He was also formerly a co-owner of both the JEM Bar in Jerseyville, and the Broadway Wedge Tavern in Alton, and was always the life of the party, and was never without a good story.He married the former Ruth Mary Balke on June 25, 1960 at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, and she passed away on March 24, 2012 nearly 52 years of marriage.Surviving are his daughter, Kelli Holleman of Jerseyville, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Earl Holleman and Arthur Holleman; and two sisters, Eileen Mills and Phyllis Henne.Visitation will be from 9 a.m.,to 11:45 a.m., Monday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12 noon on Monday at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Bishop Victor Balke and Father William Hembrow officiating.Burial will be in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville, with military rites being conducted by the Tri County Honor Guard.Memorials may be given to the St.  Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools in Jerseyville, or the American Diabetes Association.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home

Print Version