ELLSTON JOSEPH M

WO1 Joseph M. Ellston died after flight school but did not serve as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam on 12/30/2019 at the age of 71.6
Adams, TN
Flight Class 72-29
Date of Birth 06/11/1948
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by Sammie Williams - obit

More detail on this person: Joseph Marion Ellston of Clarsville, TN. Born June 11 1948. Joe passed away peacefully on December 30 2019 in Stoneham, Massachusetts surrounded by his Family following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a beloved father and survived by, Elizabeth Tommie Ellston (Coarsegold, CA) , Dawna Ellston-Wierzbowski (Stoneham, Mass), Tricia Ellston (West Yellowstone, MT) Step- father of James Rhodes (Ruther Glen, VA) and Tammie Miller (New Albany, IN). Beloved Grandfather of sixteen grandchildren and Great- Grandfather of five. Joseph served 19 years ('67-'86) (active) and 9 years ('86-'95) (reserve) in the U.S. Army. He retired as a CW-4. Joe served as a helicopter Crew Chief during Vietnam and survived being shot down. He was a Crew Chief Instructor ('69-'71), Helicopter Pilot ('73-'79), Flight Instructor/Pilot ('79-'86). Flying was his first passion. His second passion was teaching. Joe held a Master of Arts Degree in Education, and taught history at the High School at Fort Campbell. He officially retired from teaching in 2010, but continued to substitute teach until 2016. After retirement, Joe enjoyed traveling, playing golf, spending time with family and friends and going on adventures with his dog Faith. Services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery followed by a celebration of life, Date to be announced.

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery , Arlington, VA

This information was last updated 01/13/2020

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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