Johnnie Bill Ely

Johnnie Bill Ely was born June 29, 1955, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania to James Henry Ely and Shirley Ann (Victor) Ely. His father’s military career kept the family on the move during John’s young life. The family came to Missouri, where John graduated from Waynesville High School with the Class of 73. John was a machinist for twenty years. He worked for places such as, the old Tri-Co in Richland, Missouri before it closed; later he went on to work at Bear Trailer near Stoutland, Missouri for several years; then in 2009 John began his career at Detroit Tool Metal Products in Lebanon, Missouri. Through the years there, John worked in shipping and receiving, as a machinist, and inventory control before retiring in 2021. In John’s younger days he played softball, however, he especially enjoyed coaching baseball and having fun with the kids. His other hobbies included fishing, woodworking projects of all kinds, playing cards with friends, and watching his favorite football teams, the Steelers and the Chief’s play. John is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister-in-law, Timmie. John left this world and its problems behind on the morning of Tuesday, January 4, 2022, having attained the age of sixty-six, after a brave fight with cancer while in Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri. John leaves behind to cherish his memory, his devoted and loving fiancé Michelle Mooney of Waynesville, MO; 3 children: Justin Robles (Katie) of Litchfield Park, AZ, Jason Bill Ely (Renee) of Lebanon, MO, step-daughter: Alisha Nguyen of Waynesville, MO; 12 grandchildren: Corey McDaniel, James Ely, Mikenna Ely, Tristin Ely, Miranda Weeks, Dylan Weeks, Tyler Dye, Jules Robles, Allie Robles, Isaiah Jara, Gabriel Nguyen, and Emmett Nguyen; one great grandchild: Everly Weeks; 5 brothers: James "Mike" Ely of Port Richey, FL, Clarence Ely (Holly) of Waynesburg, PA, Steven Ely of Waynesburg, Roger Ely of Waynesburg, and Scott Ely (Tricia) of Waynesburg, PA; 3 sisters: Linda Thorne of Waynesburg, PA, Scarlet Brock (Gary) of Spraggs, PA, and Beth Ann Pecjak (John) of Lippincott, PA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. John enjoyed life. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends; and even though John’s leaving has left a hole in the hearts of those he loved…the fun times, and many memories that were made will remain in the hearts of everyone who loved him. Services for Johnnie Bill Ely were held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 7, 2022, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Brother Steve Lynch officiating. Favorite music selections included “Jealous of the Angels,” “Since I Lost You,” and “ ‘Til You Can’t.” Serving as escorts were Bob Reed, Joel Pena, James Schwartz, Richard Steward, Michael Nguyen, and Corey McDaniel. Honorary escorts were Richard York, Steve Ely, Scott Ely, Clarence Ely, and Mike Ely. Burial followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John Ely may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Johnnie Bill Ely

June 29, 1955 - January 4, 2022