Leo Julian Ellsworth, Jr.,81, of Owensville, IN, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on January 9, 2024. He was born to the late Leo Julian, Sr. and Violet (Umphrey) Ellsworth on May 28, 1942, in Terre Haute, IN.

Leo grew up working on the family farm. He entered the United States Army in 1965 and served for 2 years. He met the love of his life, LaDonna Savant and they were married on September 2, 1972. Together they had 2 beautiful children. Leo was a mechanic in maintenance for Duke Energy for 30 years before his retirement. He was a member of Vertical Church, VFW post in Terre Haute, and IBEW Teamsters 1393 where he organized the monthly retiree breakfasts and participated in parades. As a baseball coach for the Owensville Little League, he taught several children the basics of the game. He was a Chicago Cubs fan and IU basketball fan. He was a family man that loved spending time with his family. He loved children and animals and never met a stranger. He loved to travel to Florida and Wrigley Field in Chicago. Beagle hunting with his close friend, Jim Settles was also very special to Leo.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Mark.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, LaDonna Ellsworth of Owensville, IN; daughters, Juli Ann (Christopher) Shade and Carla Jean (Bryan) Snapp both of Owensville, IN; grandchildren, Christopher (Kayla) Hamm, Paige (Jacob) Ramsey, Owen Watkins, Madison Watkins, Cameron McCarty, Bailey (Damien) Shade and Rachel Shade; great grandchildren, Addilynn, Aubree, Brently, Chloe, Keiston, Ellie, and one on the way; and nephews, Bernie DiPaolo and Patrick DiPaolo.

The family would like to extend their immense gratitude to the entire nursing team at Gentiva Hospice for their excellent loving care of Leo.

Military Honors services will be performed by the Veterans of Gibson County and held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at Stodghill Funeral Home in Fort Branch, IN, with Pastor Steve Akins officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. The family would like to request that family and friends wear their favorite sports attire. Leo will be cremated following services and his ashes scattered at a later date. Donations in his honor can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Expressions of sympathy can be made at stodghillfuneralhome.com.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-213-6584
Web: http://www.stjude.org/memorial