Wendell E. Ely, 75, of Olney passed away on May 15, 2014 in Cabot, Arkansas. Wendell was born August 15, 1938 in Olney, Illinois, the son of Chester Henry and Mary Rose (Stine) Ely. He married Carolyn (Conour) on June 22, 1958 in Olney. She preceded him in death on December 30, 2009.

Wendell enjoyed riding his motorcycle trike, camping with friends and family, and making china cabinets. Wendell loved spending time with his grandkids. He had a zest for life and was never slowed down despite his disability.

Wendell enjoyed 50 years of marriage to Carolyn, the love of his life.

He is survived by his daughter, Carla Barber of Olney; son, Donald Ely of Olney; daughter, Mary Christine Ely of Evansville, IN; son, John Ely and wife Myra of Wheeler, IL; daughter, Paula Pearcy and husband Steve of Woodville, TX; 15 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and one on the way. and two sisters, Margaret Rule of Olney and Frieda Wright of Port Orange, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Charles Allen "Chuck" Ely, and foster daughter, Rosemary Best.

Funeral services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home with burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Olney.

Summers-Kistler Funeral Home, Olney - obituary & photo