ORIENT – Larry Wayne Ellis, 77, of Orient, Illinois, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, at 3:30 p.m.

Wayne was born June 26, 1946 in Herrin, Illinois to Coy and Letha (Gant) Ellis. He was a member of Mt. Olive Free Will Baptist Church in Benton, Illinois. Wayne loved his family. He also loved horseback riding, camping, and playing guitar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Pat Windham, Jeanette Parr, and Sue Coulter; and five brothers Richard, Neal, Buck, Roger, and Ray Ellis.

Wayne is survived by his wife Sandy Ellis; two sons Gerald Barton and Scott Ellis; daughter Terri (Greg) Akin, brother Tom (Ethel) Ellis, brothers and sister-in-law,  Junior (Rita) Allois and Wayne Allois; sister-in-law Pat Ellis, five grandchildren Dustin, Michella, Eden, Lyra, and Skylar; three great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, Illinois, with Pastor Paul Leffler officiating. Burial will be held at Denning Cemetery on the Orient Road. Visitation will be held from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service.