Ellis Elton Small , 93, passed away peacefully February 24, 2024. Ellis was born in Bucks Harbor, Maine on August 19, 1930. After graduating from Washington Academy in 1948, he worked at the St. Regis Lumberyard in Whitneyville and the Textile Mill in Machias. On June 10, 1951, Ellis married Wenona Hall of Whiting, Maine. He joined the US Navy as a Naval Electronics Technician 1st Class in December of 1951 and was deployed to Japan, Puerto Rico, the Azores, and French Morocco during the Korean War. After his active service in the US Navy, he worked on the contracting crew during the construction of the US Naval VLF Radio Station at Cutler, Maine. Upon its completion, Ellis became a Civil Service Electronics Technician instructing and assisting Naval personnel in the maintenance and operation of the two-million watt radio transmitter for twenty-seven years.

Ellis was a 65 year life member of Warren Masonic Lodge #2 in East Machias. serving as Past Master, and as secretary for 19 years; Honorary member of Washington Lodge #37 in Lubec, and served as District Deputy Grand Master for District #3 of the Grand Lodge of Maine. He was also a life member of O.E.S #83 in Machias, St. Croix Council # 11 in Calais, Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Mason Valley of Bangor, Royal Arch Chapter #16 in Machias serving as Past High Priest, and Past Grand Captain of the Host of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Maine. Throughout his life Ellis was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the Northeast Callers Association, teaching and calling for square dances in Maine and Florida. In 2000 Ellis and Wenona formed “Wenona’s Band” and traveled throughout Washington County entertaining at parties, receptions, nursing homes, senior citizens groups and veterans homes. Ellis was predeceased by his parents Elton and Celia Small, siblings Muriel Picard, Vincent Small, and Lelia Cole. Ellis is survived by his loving wife Wenona, of nearly 73 years; sons Stanley and wife Ellen Small, and Jeffrey and wife Pamela Small ; a sister Janice Grady of Massachusetts and brother David Gordon Small and his wife Sandy of Pennsylvania; grandchildren Keith, Cristan, Jaclyn, Carly and Celia and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 9:30 to 10:30 am on Saturday March 2, 2024 at the Larrabee Baptist Church in Machiasport where funeral services will be held at 11 am with Pastor Tony Maker officiating, accompanied by Masonic Services conducted by Warren Lodge. A reception will immediately follow at the church. Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2pm at the Jacksonville Cemetery, East Machias. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to the Washington Academy music program P.O. Box 190.East Machias, ME 04630 Condolences and memories may be shared at www.mcclurefamilyfuneral.com