John William "Willie" Ellery

John William "Willie" Ellery age 76, of College St., Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center.

Born August 28, 1949 in Springfield, he was preceded in death by his parents, John William Ellery Sr. and Mary Helen Riley Ellery.

Willie was the Maintenance Director for the Housing Authority of Springfield for 52 years, was a 3rd degree member of Council 4270 Knights of Columbus in Springfield, a 4th degree member of Monsignor McGee Assembly, he served on the Springfield City Council for 26 years, he served for 20 years as an usher for U of L Athletics and was past chairperson for Holy Rosary Church Homecoming.  He also was a 3 time Play Club Golf Champion, a member of Springfield Legends, was co-chair for Kansas City BBQ and was an avid golf and pickleball player and fisherman.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Smith Ellery, a daughter, Launius (Lance) Byrd of Yoba City, CA, two brothers, Charles Elery of Homer City, PA and Walter Elery of Springfield, four sisters, Mary Helen (Richard) Railey, Terry Ellery of Springfield, Margaret (Pat) Trigg and Elizabeth (John) Fogle) Elery all of Springfield, one half-sister, Rose Wilson of Indianapolis, IN, five step sisters, Shirley Brewer, Bonnie Anderson, Delorse Turner, Cathy Spalding and Toni Churchill all of Springfield, one step brother, Donnie Edelen of Springfield, two grandchildren, Zyi and Kobe Xisin and 3 great grandchildren, Cali and Jalen Nelson and Aries Carter.

Funeral mass for John William "Willie" Ellery will be conducted at 11:00 am Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. Dominic Catholic Church with Rev. Pier Giorgio Dengler, O.P., Rev. Culpepper Elliott and Rev. Tom Clark officiating.  Burial will be in St. Dominic-Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Cecil Railey, Reggie Weathers, Steve Gerton, James Gerton, Willie Jeffries, James Gerton Jr. and Charles Elery.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mose Smalley, Thomas Pipes, Zack Graves, Tim Graves and Billy Joe Bottoms.

Additional honorary pallbearers will be Springfield City Hall and City Council and his Golf team members.

Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday November 14, 2025 at Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. and also, from 7:00 till 10:15 a.m. Saturday morning at Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home.

Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.