Bill Ellman, 87, of Poteau died peacefully Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, in Fort Smith, Ark.

He was a former newspaper owner, publisher and editor. Bill was raised in the Lutheran faith but joined First Christian Church, Poteau, when he and his wife retired.

Bill was born in Preston, Md., on Nov. 28, 1924, to William H. Sr. and Marie Schulke Ellman.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; a stepfather, Tucker Davis; his first wife, Elizabeth “Lib” Boylston Ellman; and two sisters, Betty Ellman and Thedora “Ted” Browne.

He is survived by his wife, Glynda Ellman of the home; a daughter, Betty “Betts” Mitchell and husband Kris of Troup, Texas; a son, William H. “Billy” Ellman Jr., and wife Cynthia of Lindale, Texas; he is survived by the additional children brought into his life with his marriage to Glenda, whom he also considered his children: Kelli Perriello and Tera Gandy, Hot Springs Village, Ark.; Laurie P. Davis and husband Bob Davis Jr., Fort Collins, Colo.; Grant Perriello and wife Sissy, El Dorado, Ark.; Tracy Perriello and fiancée, Eric Adams, Van Buren, Ark.; and Andrea “Andi” P. White and husband Mic, Little Rock, Ark.; grandchildren, Brandon Coffman, Bellingham, Wash.; Jason Ellman, Los Angeles; Andrea Ellman Wofford and husband Michael, The Sultanese, Oman; Whitley Wallace, Little Rock; Andrew Moore, Tulsa; Maddie and Lucie Davis, Fort Collins; Tori Francis, Grayson Francis, and Grant Ashton “Ash” Perriello, all of El Dorado, Ark. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Lila and Garner Wofford, Oman; as well as a host of other family members, friends and loved ones.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at Grace Manor Funeral Home in Poteau.
The service will be conducted by the Rev. Tracy Ellis, First Christian Church, Poteau, with private burial at Oakland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Edwards Mercy Hospice, P.O. Box 17000, Fort Smith, Ark. 72917 or the building and maintenance fund at First Christian Church, P.O. Box 160, Poteau.
You may leave an online message at www.gracemanorfh.com

Reprinted with permission from the Poteau Daily News