Sam D. Ellis Jr.

Sam Demosthenes Ellis Jr. was born November 10, 1954, to Sam Demosthenes Ellis and Alva Mae (Enfield) Ellis, in Denver, Colorado. 

Sam’s parents ran multiple restaurants, and Sam grew up working in the culinary world. He attended George Washington High School in Denver and then joined the United States Marines in 1974. He served active duty from 1974 to 1979 and continued his commitment to our country in the U.S. Marine National Guard until 1981.

Sam always said he joined the military to get out of the kitchen, but when they saw his skills, they put him right back in.  During his service, Sam took many food service courses and eventually ran the kitchens in the mess halls. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and served with the 2nd Light Aircraft Missile Battalion. His work supported the safety and readiness of our military aircraft, and he often spoke about his time in Yuma, Arizona as well as his role patrolling the U.S. border.

Upon leaving the military, Sam returned to Denver and continued to work as a chef. He met his soon-to-be wife while working at the Denver Country club. He was hot food, she was cold food, opposites attract!  He winked and she smiled and that started their life-long love affair.  Sam and Suzanne were married on May 27, 1983, in a park in Denver. Their son Sam was born in June of 1989, completing their family.

Sam was an avid chef who loved to cook for others even after his health forced him to stop working. He was always willing to share his formidable skills with anyone wanting to learn. This included culinary arts, world-class knife-sharpening ability, his love of books and reading, and just general knowledge that he loved to learn, discuss and debate. He was a gardener, a bird watcher, and a football fan in what spare time he had.

When Sam’s health declined, he became one of the original “Mr. Mom’s”, taking care of the household and mentoring his son for school and life.  He was the king of the kitchen and served up gourmet-level food at all times for his family and friends.

Sam entered hospice on March 5th of this year after a diagnosis of cancer. He passed away peacefully in his bed at home in the morning hours of March 29th with his wife Suzanne by his side. He is survived by wife Suzanne (Sitzman) Ellis, and son Sam D. Ellis III, sister Frosyne (Ellis) Mesendick of St. George Utah, sister Leona Ellis from Denver Colorado, and sister-in-law Sylvia Ellis of Denver, numerous nephews and nieces, and the very close members of his wife’s relatives who also thought of him as family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday April 2, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Table Rock, Nebraska with Pastor Lori Stevens officiating.  A time of fellowship will immediately follow services in the church basement.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family for a later designation.

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 Nemaha St-Humboldt, NE (402) 862-2915

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