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<p><em>Robert Llewellyn Ellis</em>, husband of Marilyn Swayze Ellis, was born in Upper Darby, PA on April 21, 1938, one of three children to Edward Glenn Ellis Sr. and Augusta Williams Ellis. He is the brother of Edward Glenn Ellis Jr. and John Huntington Ellis. Both parents and brothers preceded him in death.</p>
<p>As a youngster, his family moved upstate to Bradford County, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Canton High School in 1956. He initially attended Penn State University before being appointed to the United States Military Academy, entering in July 1958 and graduating in June 1962. </p>
<p>While at the Academy, “Doc” (as he was known by his classmates) took easily to the cadet academic and disciplinary life and became a respected member of his company and class. Doc operated “behind the scenes” but was always available to help whenever needed. He participated in numerous activities and clubs, including the initial Rugby Club. Upon graduation, Doc was commissioned an Infantry second lieutenant and attended both the airborne and Ranger courses. He served tours in Germany with the 4th Armored Division, in Vietnam with 5th Special Forces Group, and at Fort Bliss, TX. Military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and special recognition from his Vietnamese Binh-Long Province chief. </p>
<p>His military career was cut short by an operation to excise an acoustic neuroma in 1968, leaving him with some disabilities. Despite a complete change in his lifestyle, Doc earned a Master of Science Civil Engineering degree and began his civilian career with the newly formed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and later became the first borough manager of Troy, PA. Doc went on to work as a civil servant as EPA support program chief for the Norfolk District Corp of Engineers; project manager for construction management of Air Force facilities for the U.S. Air Force at Langley Air Force Base, VA; chief of real estate, facility requirements and environmental planning at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan (winning the General Thomas White Award for best overseas plan); program manager for USAF Environmental Program at the Pentagon (authoring the winning entry in the President’s Award for the Best Environmental Program in the federal government); and, finally, environmental advisor to the commander of Naval Forces in Japan and representative to the environmental subcommittee of the Japanese Diet.</p>
<p>In Okinawa, Doc oversaw the rebuilding of All Souls Anglican Church, originally built to honor those lost in the Battle of Okinawa. He continued his service to others in retirement through volunteer work, in addition to earning an M.A. in Christian education. He tutored students for 15 years at two Richmond, VA elementary schools as part of the Micah Initiative of Richmond Hill. Doc also volunteered as an Elder Friends companion and for the Stephen Ministry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He was a member of the Phoenixville Jaycees and the Order of Masons and hosted a foreign exchange student through the Rotary Club International.</p>
<p> A quote from a high school friend said to be most descriptive of him says: “An athlete on the field and floors; and in the classroom, too, he scores.” He added: “Nothing summarizes your dad’s diverse interests and abilities more than that quote. He participated in athletics and the arts. He appreciates beauty in things, including your mom. Your dad is a great human being, an all-American guy, and voted most popular in the Class of 1956. He is quiet, resolute, but not stuffy, not full of himself. He leads by example and shows what a work ethic is all about. You’ll never meet a humbler, yet highly competitive person who loves to win but doesn’t dawdle over a loss. He’s witty, loves to talk, and appreciates a good story. He reveres his family and enjoys the company of good friends.” Doc’s USMA classmates would second that quote about the person they knew in a heartbeat. </p>
<p>Addressing a question that has bugged Doc’s Academy classmates all these years, which he coyly left it unanswered whenever anyone asked, Marilyn informed two classmates attending his memorial service that, because of his large head, his older brothers said he looked like the oldest of the seven dwarfs—ergo the name “Doc,” which stuck with him the rest of his life.</p>
<p>In addition to Doc’s wife of 62 years, Marilyn, he leaves his two daughters, Karyn Ellis and Maria Lynn (Randy); four grandchildren: Jacob (Tracy), Annalise (Alan), Grace (Nick) and Zach; and eight great-grandchildren.</p>
<p>Doc was a kind, religious, and generous individual who was always available to help wherever he could. An example occurred recently when he wanted to assist in a building project at his church but was unable to do so physically. To solve his problem, Doc showed up regularly at the project site armed with coffee and donuts for the workers, a thought that was much appreciated.</p>
<p>To his USMA classmates, Doc was known as one of the “good guys” always ready to assist whenever or wherever needed and loved spending time at class gatherings, especially at former roommate Jim Kimsey’s famous ’62 Christmas parties.</p>
<p>His numerous accomplishments are a testament to his abilities and fortitude and a true display of the Class of 1962 “Can Do” attitude. We all applaud and thank Doc for a job “Well Done” and say to him, “Be Thou at Peace.”</p>
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