CARBONDALE -- Ellis Leslie Mitchell was born Oct. 18, 1927, and died April 2, 2014, at home. Upon returning from active duty in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he married Betty Lou Hill of Benton and graduated from SIU with a degree in business. He owned and operated Universal Glass and Carpet and was proud to have his business represented on many large-scale glass jobs in Southern Illinois. Ellis was active in the community, particularly through involvement with the Lions Club. He was responsible for organizing Fourth of July fireworks displays for 43 years, and he was instrumental in preserving the town square pavilion. For his work with the club, he was given the Melvin Jones award, the club's highest honor. In 2000, Ellis and Betty were named Carbondale's Citizens of the Year. He also especially enjoyed planning and attending CCHS and USS Bunker Hill reunions. Survivors include three children, Patrick Mitchell (Kelly), Timothy Mitchell (April) and Sarah Merideth (Gary), all of Carbondale; and four grandchildren, Alexis Ruck (Adam), Dakota Mitchell, Scout Mitchell and Tristin Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his wife in 2000. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Friday, April 4, in First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carbondale Lions Foundation, P.O. Box 174, Carbondale, IL 62903. Huffman-Harker-Walker Funeral Home in Carbondale is in charge of arrangements. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on Apr. 3, 2014