Ellis D. Houchin, 83, of Dowell, passed away at 6:45 P.M., Thursday, November 20, 2008 at the VA Medical Center in Marion, IL.
Ellis had worked as a foreman at Freeman United Coal Mine.  He was of the Protestant faith.  He was a member of the UMW of A, American Legion in Dowell and Petersburg, IN, VFW Post 3584, and Masonic Lodge in Moberly, MO.  He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.  He served as a Private First Class in the 359th Service Command Unit Prisoner Of War Company in Normandy.  The accolades he received were: WWII Victory Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, Bronze Star Attachment Single, Meritorious Unite Commendation, European African Middleast Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Marksman Badge and Rifle Bar, and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.
He was born June 9, 1925 at Pikeville, IN, the son of Alt and Ellen (Brewster) Houchin.
He married Lula Faye Pipkin on October 23, 1976 at Gibson County, IN and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Dowell, two daughters - Debbie Walker of Petersburg, IN and Elaine Houchin of Chicago, IL, four grandchildren - Teea Jenkins, Maria Crooks, Jesse Walker, and Brad Walker, and six great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother - Eugene Houchin and one sister - Bonnie Russell.
Private family funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, November 24, 2008 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Bill Walker officiating.
Masonic services will be held at 12:30 P.M., Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery at Elkville.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Dowell American Legion.
Friends may make memorials to the Marion VA Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
