Carl Leon Ellis

March 27, 1946 - January 14, 2021

Carl Leon Ellis, age 74, of Friendswood, Texas passed away peacefully on January 14, 2021, surrounded by family, after a valiant 10 year battle with cancer. Carl was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to so many. He is remembered for his generous nature, contagious laugh, work ethic, and love for the Lord. His journey began on March 27, 1946, in Houston, Texas, born to Maxine Salmon Ellis and Artly Godfrey Ellis. He graduated from Texas Tech University with degrees in microbiology and chemistry, and retired as chief chemist for Lyondell Citgo oil refinery, having worked there since 1969 (upon graduation from college), when it was known as Sinclair, and then Atlantic Richfield. Carl was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he faithfully served in many callings. He served as a Scout Master with the BSA, helping many achieve their Eagle Scout award (including his five sons). Carl and his wife found great joy in serving in the Houston Texas Temple, and in serving a 23 month mission in the New York Rochester Mission in 2011, followed by a 2 year mission serving in the church’s Pathway educational program. He enjoyed many home improvement and woodworking projects, and working on cars. But most of all, he enjoyed activities with his family, especially cheering on children and grandchildren at cross country and track meets. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Nancy Elizabeth (Nye ) Ellis and eight children — daughters Emily Ochoa (Brian), Vidor Texas; Lauren Zalit (Daniel), Friendswood, Texas; Jessica Ellis, Sandy, Utah, and sons Mark Ellis (Courtney), Bemidji, Minnesota; Andrew Ellis (Kaylynn), Saratoga Springs, Utah; Jeremy Ellis (Nicole) Heber City, Utah; Philip Ellis, Sherman, Texas, and Carl Benjamin, Friendswood, Texas. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren — Elayna, Kyla, Avery, Evan, Lorelei, Benjamin (Zalit); Dario, Aiden, Ava, Laila, Dahlia, Evelyn (Ochoa); Colby, Saige, Luke (Ellis-Mark & Courtney); Emmett, Addie, Charlie (Ellis-Andy & Kaylynn), Rae, Hugh (Ellis-Jeremy & Nicole). Number four of eight children, Carl is also survived by three brothers, Billy (Carol) Ellis, Pat (Leslie) Ellis, and Stuart (Debbie) Ellis; two sisters, Beverly Holmes and Donna (Hank) Geigley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Artly and Maxine Ellis, brother Jerry Ellis, and sister Sharon Jezewski.