Commander Ellis Dee Skidmore U.S. Navy (retired) of Madras, Oregon, died on June 28, 2021. He was 99 years old. He was born to George and Ethel Skidmore on October 29, 1921, in Curtain, Oregon. He served 23 years in the Navy retiring on October 31, 1962. His medals and honors during his service included: the Good Conduct medal; American Defense Service medal, with star; National Defense Service medal; World War II Victory medal; Korean Presidential Unit citation; Korean Service medal, with 4 stars; United Nations Service medal; American Campaign medal.
After Ellis retired from the Navy, he moved to Madras where he was an owner and insurance agent for Central Oregon Insurance until he retired again in 1983.
Ellis attended Curtain High School, in Curtain, Oregon, and then graduated from Redmond High School in 1939. He graduated from Oregon State University in Corvallis in 1956, after only attending six terms.
While living in Madras, he was a member of the Kiwanis for many years, and also served on the Jefferson County School Board. He was also a member of North Unit Volunteer Fire Department. Elllis enjoyed hunting and fishing. He went on annual hunting and fishing trips to British Columbia, Canada, for many years. His last fishing trip was, at age 97, with his son to Hawk Kay, Florida. Ellis also enjoyed gardening. He started the garden from seedlings planted in school milk cartons by the east window in the family room to have an early start on the growing season. He won 'Farmer of the Year' at the Jefferson County Fair.
Ellis married Elaine Nadine Hoffman on October 15, 1955, in Corvallis, Oregon; they were married for 65 years. Elaine survives her husband. Their children are: Ember Skidmore Burg of Santa Rosa, California; Eleta Skidmore of Bend; and Eric Dorr Skidmore of Bend. Ellis and Elaine have four grandchildren. Ellis was preceded in death by his brother, George Skidmore; and two sisters, Thelma Holt and May Ellen Skidmore.
There will be a viewing at Bel-Air Colonial Funeral Home in Madras on Thursday, July 8, from 3 to 7 p.m. The funeral will be at the Erickson Aircraft Collection on Friday, July 9 at 11 a.m. Interment will be private. Instead of flowers the family is requesting contributions to Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO); 61510 S. Hwy 97, Ste 100; Bend, Oregon 97702.
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