Paul G. Ellington

Paul G. “Duke” Ellington, 81, gained his wings on December 18, 2020 after fighting the good fight. He was born September 25, 1939 in High Point, NC to the late Winfred and Virginia (Hazard) Ellington and moved to Akron as a child. As a teen he was led to the Lord by his best friend, Fred Chilton.  He was a lifelong member of Evangel Temple.

Paul married the love of his life, Shelva Jean Felter, in Akron, Ohio on June 25, 1960. They had three daughters who gave him six grandchildren who brought him much joy.

He was a veteran of the United States Army National Guard and served his country with honor. He operated his own Christmas Tree lots “Duke’s Trees” from the age of 16 through 80.  He worked at General Tire building semi-truck tires then went on to own his own landscaping company and appliance repair business.

Paul enjoyed and cherished spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman and was the man you would always want in your boat. Just two months ago, you may have seen him and his bride fishing on Portage Lakes. His other passion was gardening. To say he had a green thumb is an understatement. He loved helping his daughters with their plants and creating beautiful flower displays.

He beat a Stage 4 Lung cancer diagnosis in 2014 and had the utmost respect and gratitude for his oncologist, Dr. Dawlatti, at University Hospital. He became ill three weeks ago and went into the arms of his Lord. He will be deeply missed. Our loss was heaven’s gain.

Preceded in death by his parents; Winfred and Virginia Ellington, brother, James and step-father, Jack Englert, he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shelva; daughters, Melody Beck, Sharon (Ted) Schonauer and Lori Lake; grandchildren, Aaron Beck, Chelsey Schonauer, Cassidy (Austin) Aday, Lexi Schonauer and Morgan and Landen Lake; great-grandchildren, Dakota and Wyatt Aday; brother, Tom (Susie) Ellington; sisters, Pat May and Ruth Kruger (Mark) ; and many loving relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St. Calling hours will be for one hour prior to the service, from 10 – 11 a.m. Burial with military honors at Hillside Memorial Park.

Please share your thoughts and condolences by visiting his Tribute Wall above