[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 103 (Tuesday, July 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ELLIS COGDILL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 2011

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
life of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and veteran Ellis 
Cogdill.
  Ellis Cogdill passed away Sunday, June 26th at the Alexander Cohen 
Hospice House in Hughson, CA after a devastating, albeit blessedly 
brief battle with cancer. Ellis was born in Stanberry, Missouri. He and 
his family lived and farmed in the area until Ellis enlisted in the 
U.S. Navy at age 17. He served 4 years as a radioman before being 
discharged from active duty in 1949. Ellis then returned home, where he 
met the love of his life, Viola Cruse, his soon to be devoted wife of 
over 61 years. A few months later, Ellis was called to serve again, 
during the Korean conflict, a duty that would last another 16 months 
and send him to China and the South Pacific.
  In 1957 the family moved to California, settling in San Bernardino, 
where Ellis worked as a union meat cutter for Stater Bros. Markets for 
33 years. In 1962 he was called to be a Deacon at Immanuel Baptist 
Church, where he diligently served the Lord for many years.
  After retirement Ellis and Vi moved to Madera, and were active at the 
First So. Baptist Church. In 2005 Ellis and Vi moved to Modesto, living 
at Friendly Village MHP, and attending first, Orangeburg Ave. Baptist 
Church, then, the North Modesto Church of God.
  Ellis loved to travel, spend time with his family and friends, help 
those in need, or do just about anything that was productive. Not one 
to play, he valued work, and never shirked a duty or a task. Those that 
knew him, knew his word was his bond, and as good as gold.
  Ellis is preceded in death by his parents, Ellis Sr. and Mary 
Cogdill, and brother Tom Cogdill. He is survived by his wife and sons, 
Dave and Jim, and daughter Diana; daughters-in-law, Stephanie and Lisa; 
grandchildren David and Carrie, Meghan and Mike, Ryan and Brandon, 
Karma, Lauren, Joel and Moneshay; and great-grandchildren Connor, 
Kathleen, Xiomara, Christian, and Ashton.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Ellis Cogdill for his service 
to United States of America and his example of excellence to those who 
knew him.

                          ____________________