Obituary of Orbin Mackinley Ellison

October 25, 1934 – July 8, 2016 Orbin Mackinley Ellison was born in Harrogate, Tennesee on October 25, 1934 He was one of three children born from the union of the late Marshall and the late Ethel (Fowler) Ellison. Orbin honorably served his country in the United States Air Force earning several commendations. While in the service, he married the love of his life, the former Betty Burnett, on June 3, 1955 in Albany, Georgia. Orbin received his spiritual nourishment through the House of Prayer, and a regular attendee of bible study. He was a proud husband and father of two. Though Orbin retired from Ford Motor Company in Monroe in 1983, he continued to support his family through the management of many rental properties. He was a perfectionist and could never quite sit still for too long at a time. Orbin was an avid outdoorsman; fishing, hunting, archery, and trap. He was an avid fan of baseball and bowled regularly. Orbin was quite the motorcycle enthusiast, especially Harley’s. He was active in many clubs and organizations through Monroe county and the surrounding areas. Orbin was a 32nd degree Mason and a past master of Monroe Masonic Lodge 27, and a member of the ritual team. In the last few years, he discovered how rewarding it was to sit and read a good book. Orbin Mackinley Ellison, age 81of Monroe, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 8, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. In addition to his parents, Orbin was preceded by his son: Keith Ellison; brother: Henry Ellison; and grandson: Keith Ellison II. To cherish his memory, Orbin leaves his wife of sixty-one years: Betty Ellison of Monroe; daughter: Julie Ann Baker of Newport; sister: Helen Milhan of Monroe; grandchildren: David Ellison, Christopher Baker, James Baker, Jennifer Ellison, Summer Joy Hall, and Logan Ellison; and seven great-grandchildren. Friends may gather at 10:30am on Monday, July 11, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, (734)384-5185. A Masonic Service will begin at 1:00pm and the Celebration of Life immediately following with Pastor Tracy Palm from the House of Prayer officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial where graveside services will be held under the auspices of the Monroe VFW Post 1138. Online guests may leave words of comfort, inspiration, send a floral arrangement, or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.