Daniel “Danny” Ellis, 92, of Fort Scott, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born on February 6, 1932, in Rich Hill, Missouri, the beloved son of Ben and AnnaLee (Henderson) Ellis. On February 8, 1948, he married his beloved Willa Jean Marlin in Nevada, Missouri, who preceded him in death on January 22, 2018.
Danny was a pioneering entrepreneur and a pillar of his community. He founded Midwestern Transportation in the early 1960s, later renamed Midwestern Distribution in the early 1970s. Under his leadership, Midwestern Distribution flourished, boasting a fleet of over 1000 trucks serving nationwide routes and employing over 500 locals in Fort Scott, where it stood as a cornerstone of employment. In the early 1980s, Danny sold Midwestern Distribution and embarked on another successful venture, founding Multi-Service Corporation to address the fuel access needs of truckers. Multi-Service also became a global leader in aviation credit.
In 1997, Danny, along with his wife Willa, established The Ellis Foundation in memory of their daughter, Kathy Ellis-Adriance. The Foundation, now overseen by Danny’s son, Chris Ellis, has touched countless lives by awarding over 5,000 scholarships to deserving students, ensuring access to higher education for those in need.
Danny was deeply committed to the growth and prosperity of Fort Scott. He actively supported local initiatives, serving on the board of the Fort Scott Beacon and contributing to the establishment of Ellis Park and The Danny & Willa Ellis Family Performing Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College. He also played a pivotal role in bolstering tourism and development in the area. His generosity knew no bounds, as evidenced by his donation of the city’s first trolley, fondly known as “Dolly the Trolley.”
Danny loved to work, but in his downtime enjoyed golfing with his longtime friends in Fort Scott, relished time spent on the waters of Fort Scott Lake with family and friends, and cherished his travels, particularly his visits to Stuart, Florida.
Danny will be remembered as a visionary businessman and a cherished friend who loved his family. His legacy of hard work, determination, and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew him. He leaves behind a son, Chris Ellis, and wife Cathy of Louisburg, Kansas, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Willa, and daughter Kathy, Danny was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ben Ellis, Jr., Delmar Ellis, half-brother Charles Cooper, and a sister, June Ellis.
The family will hold private services at a later date, under the direction of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ellis Foundation for Scholarships, in care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kansas, 66701. Condolences may be submitted to the online guestbook at konantz-cheney.com. Danny’s enduring legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.
