Craig Ellis

Walter Craig Ellis, known to all as “Craig,” passed away surrounded by family and friends. He was born on June 9, 1954, in Garden City, Kansas to Raymond and Twila Ellis, where he spent the majority of his childhood working on the family farm. Craig’s early years were rooted in the developing values of hard work and an enterprising spirit. Craig graduated from Garden City High School in 1972 and pursued his passion for agriculture by studying agricultural economics at Kansas State University.During his time at Kansas State, Craig was a proud member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and, most notably, met the love of his life, Barbara “Barb” Ellis. The two were married in 1976, the same year Craig graduated with his degree.Craig dedicated his career to commercial banking, making a lasting impact at community banks in Greeley, CO; Liberal, KS; Russell, KS; and Great Bend, KS. He started his career with Production Credit Association in their Ag Lending department. He concluded his distinguished career as Executive Vice President at Bankers Bank of Kansas in Wichita, retiring in January 2022.Craig and Barb were blessed with two children, Jenifer Ellis and Timothy Ellis, and two beloved grandchildren, Graham Ellis and Pierce Ellis. Craig’s greatest joy was his family, and he treasured every moment spent with them.In retirement, Craig remained active and deeply engaged in his community. He volunteered generously with the SCORE organization, mentoring small business owners, and served his neighborhood through his work with the Willowbend Homeowners Association.Craig passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, in Wichita, KS, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.Craig will be remembered for his warmth, his generosity, and his remarkable gift for building and maintaining relationships. His ability to connect with others was a defining quality of his life. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand - whether asked or not - and his kindness left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. He showed us that the richness of a life well-lived is measured not in material wealth but in the relationships we build and the lives we touch.Craig’s legacy of compassion, friendship, and service lives on in the countless lives he touched. Memorial Service will be at 3:00 pm, Friday, May 23, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Twila Ellis. Survived by his wife, Barbara Ellis; daughter, Jenifer K. (Partner, Nick Graf) Ellis; son, Tim R. (Ginny) Ellis, all of Wichita; brothers, Doug (Sandy) Ellis of Ingalls, KS, Jimmy Dean (Lori) Ellis of Topeka, KS; sister, Nancy (Eric) Dahlinger of Wichita; grandchildren, Graham B. and Pierce R. Ellis. Memorials have been established with: SCORE Foundation, 712 H St. NE, PMB 98848, Washington, DC 20002; and Kansas State University College of Agriculture, 114 Waters Hall, 1603 Old Claflin Pl., Manhattan, KS 66506-4004.