Leonard D. "Red" Ellard, 85, of Ogallala, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2022, at the Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala.
Leonard, known to many as Red, was born on January 9th, 1937, in Bayard, Nebraska, to James F. and Dessa May (Kern) Ellard.
He grew up in Bayard, where he received his education before entering the United States Navy. After his time in the military, Red was Honorably discharged and returned to Bridgeport, Nebraska. He was a businessman owning and managing many different businesses in Bridgeport, including a burger shop, donut shop and bar.
Red met Carol Brandt during this time, and the two were later married. To this union, two children were born, Sheri and Scott Ellard. Red eventually moved to Ogallala, worked as a diesel mechanic, and later owned and operated MCM truck repair. He later remarried to Marge Leonard who gave him three stepchildren Joe, Jan and Judy as well as many step-grandchildren.
He loved to fish and play KENO and enjoyed hunting. He was a quick whittled guy who could make the whole room laugh.
Red was preceded in death by his parents; Frank & Dessa; siblings, Betty, Dorothy, Rick, Violet; and granddaughter, Tara.
Survivors include his children, Sheri and husband Manuel Garcia of Arlington, TX, Scott and wife Lisa Ellard of Ogallala; grandchildren, Taylor, Andy, Connor, Darbi, Katie, Dylon; great-grandchild, Declan; along with many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ponderosa Lounge in Ogallala, Nebraska at 1:00pm Saturday August 13th.
Online condolences may be left at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is assisting the Ellard Family.