Warren James Ellison

Warren James Ellison

1923 to 2012

Warren James Ellison passed away peacefully on Dec. 7, 2012, in Chandler, Ariz. Memorial services took place at Village Oaks/Ameritas in Chandler, Ariz., on Dec. 15, 2012. Warren’s final resting place will be in Nebraska.

Memorials have been established in Warren’s name to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or Hospice of the Valley. Memorials can be sent to Jim and Gail Ellison, 1645 Yucca Drive, Gering, NE 69341.

Warren was born in Superior, Neb., on Aug. 16, 1923. He was the son of Raymond Ellison and Ethel Winter of Superior. During World War II, Warren was stationed at 8 airbases as an instructor in carrier landings, torpedo bombing, and searched the “Bermuda Triangle” for 27 lost pilots in 1945. Warren married Fern Campe April 19, 1945. Together they started and operated the first coin self serve laundry in Tampa, Fla., after his discharge. Warren graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1953, with a pharmacy degree. He moved to Sidney and bought a Rexall Pharmacy on 10th and Illinois in 1954. While in Sidney, he was an active member of the Rotary (President), Elks club, Jaycees and Men’s Chorus. He was former President of the Nebraska Pharmacy Association. After selling the pharmacy in 1978 to Wendall Gaston, he and Fern moved to Phoenix. He was Executive Director of the Arizona Pharmaceutical Association until 1988 when he retired.

Warren enjoyed working in the family business and loved to play golf. He enjoyed and was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Warren is survived by son, James W. (Gail) Ellison, of Gering; son, Dr. Gregory L. Ellison of Tempe; grandchildren, Charlyn (Scott) Morrison of Phoenix, Brent (Amy) Ellison of Scottsbluff, Jeff Ellison of Phoenix, Lauren (Patrick) McGarry of Phoenix, Carmen (Ryan) Anderson of Omaha, and Keenan McRoberts of Ithaca, N.Y.; and great-grandchildren, Julia Ellison and Wesley Ellison of Scottsbluff, and Talia Anderson of Omaha.

Warren was preceded in death by his wife, Fern Ellison; his parents, Raymond and Ethyl; his daughter, Catherine McRoberts, of Scottsbluff; and brother, Wayne Ellison.