Howard Wesley Ellington
March 2, 1938 ~ June 14, 2023
Howard Wesley Ellington, 85, Retired Architect, Director Emeritus of the Frank Lloyd Wright Allen House and Director Emeritus of Mark Arts, died Wednesday, June 14, 2023. A memorial service will be held Thursday June 29, 2023, 11:30 A.M. at St. James Episcopal Church. He was born in Anthony, Kansas, March 2, 1938, and married the love of his life, Nelda Lee Newlin on September 5, 1959. He was preceded in death by Nelda on June 14, 2014, and grandson Ryan Hunter Reep on May 10, 2022. Howard established his Architectural office in 1979 and was involved with many residential and commercial projects located in Kansas, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Ohio and Texas. Howard was a founding trustee of the Frank Lloyd Wright Allen House and Koch Cultural Trust, both of which he was very passionate about. He served on the board at the Wichita Center for the Arts (Mark Arts) and then became Executive Director for 16 years. Howard was a past Board Member for the City of Wichita Arts Council, Vice Chair for City of Wichita Design Council, Board Member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy and received the “Wright Spirit Award” in 2011. He was the recipient of the Kansas Preservation Award, and the “Pedestal Award” from the Wichita Historical Preservation Board for Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House. Among his many accomplishments, he co-organized the Exhibition and book “The Prairie Print Makers” and received the Champion Award for The Prairie Print Makers Book. Howard also co-authored the “Allen House in Wichita” book.
Howard was a lifelong member of St. James Episcopal Church.
He is survived by his sons, Howard W. Ellington II (Amy), Eric John Ellington, Craig Alan Ellington (Kelli); and daughter, Amy Lee Ellington-Reep (Danny); grandchildren, Cristin (Jake) McCune, Jamie Ellington, Trey (Nicole) Ellington, Shannon (Elliot) Koester; JohnWesley (Jamie) Ellington, Corrie (Corey) Herrmann; Austin Ellington, Stevan Ellington and Olivia (Jake) Eskridge; Hailee (Spenser) Schooler and Sara Reep; eight great-grandchildren, Mason, Reed and Harper McCune; Charlotte, Wyatt and Oliver Ellington; Palmer and Hadlee Schooler; numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials have been established with the Frank Lloyd Wright Allen House, 255 N. Roosevelt, Wichita, KS 67208; Koch Cultural Trust, 255 N. Roosevelt, Wichita, KS 67208; and Mark Arts, 1307 N. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67206.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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As a docent at the Allen House it was tremendous honor to have met Howard and to have had a number of very pleasant conversations with him. To Amy and the staff at Allen House my sincerest condolences. May only happy memories remain!
Dave Carter
I first met Howard when I stopped by the Allen House to inquire about volunteering there. He was so charming and passionate about FLW! Howard knew everything and when I couldn’t answer a tour question, I would tell visitors that when the tour ended we would ask Howard and he always knew the answer. I will miss him tremendously. What an asset to the Wichita community! Rest in peace knowing what you accomplished. Have a great conversation with FLWRIGHT.
Very sad to hear of Howard’s loss. Our family only met him once when he graciously gave us a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright home. His kindness toward us and enthusiasm guiding us through the residence has always been a fond memory I shall never forget.
Howard’s son Eric and I were friends and worked together many years in law enforcement in both Kansas and Wyoming.
Our prayers go out to the Ellington family during this sad time. The loss of such a wonderful Father and Grandfather is heartbreaking.
Shane & Becky Brazil
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Lonnie and Marsha Tormey
We are so sorry for your loss. Y’all are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Mark and Denise Newlin