Christopher Lloyd Ellis, 42, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at his home.

            He was born September 19, 1983, in Centralia, Illinois, the son of Jerry and Regina (Staley) Ellis.  On November 30, 2025, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, he married Mikalah Farmer, and she survives.

            He worked as a welder for many years, and was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting, cutting wood, and picking wild flowers.  He also enjoyed wood working, fabrication, watching UFC, collecting firearms, and making knives.  He loved kids, and will be remembered as the best uncle.  He was looking forward to the birth of his daughter, Regina, due in May.

            In addition to his wife, Mikalah Ellis, he is survived by his parents, Jerry and Gina Ellis of Mt. Vernon; siblings, Jennifer Donoho and husband Dustin of Bluford, Amanda Flanagan and husband Robert of Mt. Vernon, Rebekah Thomason and husband Andy of Mt. Vernon, Suzanna LeFebvre and fiancé Harry Garner of Mt. Vernon, Michael Washburn and Rebecca Washburn of Benton, Illinois, and Skyy Leele of Springfield, Illinois; grandmother, Patsy Staley; nieces and nephews, Mocha Leele, Rossi Flanagan, Kloey Donoho, Atley Flanagan, Karter Donoho, Emersyn Thomason, Landreigh Thomason, Mac Flanagan, Kendry Donoho, Tennessee Thomason, Asher Thomason, and Westynn Thomason; and aunts, uncles, and many cousins, including special cousins, Jamie Brieseacher, Erin Bevis, Chad Wilson, Jessi Staley, Shawn Poole, Stacie Chambliss, Jessica Hagemann, and Josh Scott.  He is also survived by his dog, Ivy.

            He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jerry and Wilma Ellis, and Bobby Staley; and cousin, Kristina Staley.

Funeral services for Mr. Ellis will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday,        February 21, 2026, at the First Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, with Rev. Victor Long and Rev. Elton Storey officiating.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Following the funeral service, cremation rites will be accorded.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Christopher’s family, in care of Amanda Flanagan, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830.  Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.