William Evan Ellis

William Evan Ellis passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026; he was 44 years young.

He was born January 11, 1982, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Evan Lloyd Ellis Jr. and Brenda Bever Ellis. Will attended Lebo High School and graduated with the Class of 2000. He would later attend Flint Hills Technical College where he earned a degree in Computer Machine Tool Engineering.

While still in high school, Will worked as a direct care staff member at Hartford Inc. His passion for cooking and his love for others led him into the food service industry. He would later hold manager positions at KFC, Wendy’s and Papa John’s.

Will was a devoted father, son, brother, uncle and friend. Above all else he cherished his role as a father and found his greatest happiness in his 3 children. His love of music spans many genres, and he was ever expanding his musical interests. Other passions included his love for gardening. His garden fed not only his family, but also his community, a reflection of his generous spirit. As a young man he enjoyed sketching, painting, creating murals and gifting others with his custom pieces.

Will was married to Octavia Payton on April 29, 2006, in Hartford, Kansas. They were together for 19 years and had recently divorced.

He will live on in the hearts and special memories of his daughter, Jocelyn Rose Ellis; twin sons, William Evan Ellis Jr., and Evan Lloyd Ellis all of Emporia; his ex-wife Octavia of Gordon, Nebraska; his mother, Brenda Gieber and husband John of Emporia; his father, Evan Lloyd Ellis Jr. and wife Deb of Lebo; sisters, Lannie Lyman and husband Leon of Emporia and Cassi Olinger and husband Shane of Emporia; nieces and nephews, Evan Lyman, Brandon Lyman, Jason Lyman, Alexia Johnson, Braydon Olinger, Nicholas Olinger and Cayden Olinger; numerous extended family and a community of friends.

The family invites you to join them for a come and go reception and celebration of Will’s life on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M. at the Lebo Community Building. Memorial contributions may be made to “Team Schnak” (Juvenile Diabetes Assistance Program) and sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box #43, Lebo, Kansas 66856.