Ells, Allen David

Allen David Ells, aka “Big Al”; father, uncle (Funkle), brother, cousin, friend, and all-around handful, could never be properly described in an obituary. Born July 16, 1966 in Auburn, Indiana, he grew up in Columbus, Ohio. Graduated from UAHS in 1985, with a football career that would follow him through college. This smiley guy would never be contained as he made his way through this life.

Al was a hands-on dad,

fiercely proud of Sophie

Marie. Allen reclaimed his freedom and Ultimate healing Sunday September 26, surrounded by family and friends. Never a fan of shoes or magazine worthy grooming – Al’s fashion was an aspect of his charm. Al enjoyed

walleye fishing, boating on

Lake Erie, sunshine, good food and good company, including dogs. Portable and inviting as a good boat cooler, Al could strike up a conversation with literally anyone everywhere he went. Al has left a trail of lifelong friends, from Arizona, Chicago, Cleveland, and Florida – to mention a few. Preceded in death by his grandfather Edward Proksa, and parents George and Dorothy Ells. Loved and survived by his favorite daughter, Sophie Marie Fordyce (Ryan); brothers,

George Ells, Jr. (Susan), and Jayson Hubert (Monica); sisters, Karen Vroman (Jim Hauenstein), and Deette Deweese (Steve). Also survived by Hal Ells and Mary Lou Forrester (John). Survived by and loved by many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and cousins. We encourage you to send a memory, story or remembrance of Allen to the email below. We are collecting memoirs for future grandchildren, so they may have a peek into what their grandpa was like. Until we see you again, Dad, brother, and friend. Celebration of life October 30. Please email allenmailoct30@ gmail.com for details. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the National Kidney Foundation or Cleveland Clinic Cardiac Research in Allen’s name.