J. Carl Ellston

J. Carl Ellston, 79, of Seal Rock, Oregon, formerly of La Grande, Seaside and Salem, died peacefully on May 13.

He was born October 5, 1928 in Exeter, Missouri, son of John Charles and Jessie Mabel Ellston, both deceased. He attended Missouri Military Academy and received a bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis as well as an M.B.A. from the University of Missouri. He achieved certificates from the American Management Association, Indiana University's Commercial Loan School, and the Graduate School of Banking at University of Wisconsin. He was a member of Theta Xi fraternity.

For many years he was President of the Bank of Exeter; later he was a Vice President at the Union National Bank of Springfield and The Exchange National Bank of Tampa. He traveled widely in Central and South America for the bank. He taught at University of South Florida and University of Tampa, Hillsborough Community College (Tampa), Evangel College, Drury College, the American Institute of Banking, and Eastern Oregon University. Before retiring he was President of J.C. Ellston and Associates, a mortgage brokerage and financial services firm.

Carl served his country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a forward observer for eighteen months, one of the most dangerous jobs. He was wounded but turned down the Purple Heart because he did not feel like a hero. He carried shrapnel in his leg the rest of his life.

After a lengthy first marriage to Blanche (Harp) Ellston, in 1996 he married Dr. Sandra Klein (Fischer).

Carl was a brilliant and witty man who loved to play bridge. Before he became unable to attend tournaments, he achieved his Silver Life Master. He loved group signing and was a member of the Community Chorus in La Grande, traveling with them on a singing tour through cities in Europe. Carol loved national parks and traveling around the country by car. He was an Eagle Scout and worked for years with the Boy Scouts and the United Fund. His happiest moments were in a canoe on a river or in the middle of a lake. His last years were filled with joy and humor, as well as compassion for others. He was a truly gentle man.

He is survived by children, John Charles Ellston of Tampa; Darren Olson of Portland; and his wife Sandra, as well as eight grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Daughter Janice Ellston preceded him in death.

A celebration of life will be held at Bateman's Mortuary in Newport on Saturday, May 24th at 1 p.m. If you cannot attend, you may send memorial comments to [email protected] and someone will read them. Carl will lie in rest at Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Eastern Oregon University Foundation, where a scholarship has been established in Carl's name.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night sweet prince and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."