Emmett “Sonny” L. Ellis Jr., 82,  passed away at 4:35 am April 28, 2021 in his home town of Mount Vernon, Illinois. He was born February 13, 1939 to the late Emmett L. and Marjorie (Claybourn) Ellis Sr.

Sonny is survived by his daughters, Melanie Karcher of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Shanna Bearden and husband, Stephen of Dublin, California, Jodi Ellis Lou of Houston, Texas, Sarah Ahlfeld and husband,Todd of Mount Carmel, Illinois; granddaughter, Madison Lou of Houston, Texas; grandsons, Brandon Lou of Houston, Texas, Brandon Karcher of Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Daniel Karcher of Saint Louis, Missouri; and brother, Jim Ellis and wife, Sandy of Mount Vernon, Illinois.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his son Michael Darren Ellis, and sister, Billie Joyce Clark.

Sonny attended Mount Vernon Community College to play basketball before earning a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale where he attended on a pole vaulting scholarship. After graduating he returned to Mount Vernon Township High School to teach and coach basketball, track, and cross country for more than 30 years. In retirement, he worked at Rend Lake College Fitness Center and enjoyed golfing and having a meal with friends.

If you stopped by his home, you might catch Sonny mowing his lawn or watching sports on TV. There was often a Mountain Dew riding on the Cardinals, Cubs rivalry. Sonny proudly served his country in the United States National Guard. He was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church and member of Green Hills Country Club.  He was proud to be inducted to the Mount Vernon Township High School Hall of Fame as a coach, but even more proud to serve on the Hall of Fame Committee and be part of honoring the many athletes he coached through the years.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at First Free Will Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Sonny’s honor to MVTHS Athletics.

Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request.

Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.