Ernest E. Elledge, age 93, of Edgewood, Illinois passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood, Illinois with one hour viewing prior to service. Memorials may go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the donor's choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhomes.com

Ernest was born on October 8, 1930 in Larkinsburg Township, Illinois, the son of James and Elsie (Clinton) Elledge. Ernest married Alice Tolliver on February 1, 1973 in Clay County. Ernest started working at the age of 10 in the timber. At 18 years of age, he was hired by the Illinois Central Railroad and soon became the Pile Driver Operator. He was a loyal member of their team for 36 years. On the side, he raised hogs, farmed and he also did backhoe work. Later, he was elected Road Commissioner for Larkinsburg Township and after 12 years, retired at the age of 86. His hobbies included western books and movies, backhoeing, and watching his grandchildren grow up. Ernest loved God and enjoyed life to the fullest!

He is survived by his wife, Alice Elledge of Edgewood; sons, Joe Jackson (wife Rose Ann) of Santino, Florida and Jeff Jackson (wife Tiffiney) of Avon, Indiana; daughters-in-law, Roslyn Elledge-Spencer of North Carolina, Karen Elledge of Farina, Anne Elledge of Portland, Oregon; son-in-law,  Russell Beitz of Stewardson; sister-in-law, Esther Walker of Flora; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 13 great great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elsie Elledge; two sons, Ed Elledge and Steve Elledge; daughter, Robin Beitz;  brothers, Harry, Ray, Emmitt, Bernard, Arlie, and Herman Elledge; sisters, Bea Porter, Eldiva Strackeljohn, Phyllis Allen, Alma Allen, Dorothea Boyld, Marie Elledge, Olive and Irene Elledge; and granddaughter, Brittany Elledge.