Sherman Edde Ellard
Sherman Edde “Ed” Ellard, 77, of Charlotte, a true American patriot, veteran and family man, died Monday, February 24, 2025 in Lansing. Ed was born July 29, 1947 in Kalamazoo, the son of Bert Dexter and Imogene Lorraine (Schaiffer) Ellard. He graduated from Delton High School in 1966 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. Ed wanted to serve his country in a time of need just as his father had done during the Second World War. He proudly served two tours in-country during the Vietnam War, a three-year period that would influence the rest of Ed’s life. During his service, he was awarded both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He returned home and married the love of his life, Mona Joan Monica on June 7, 1969, and the two settled in Grand Blanc, MI.
Ed earned a degree in Quality from Western Michigan University and went on to assist several organizations throughout his career, including General Motors. Over his 30 year career, he held 15 jobs, all in Quality Control. Ed and Mona moved to Charlotte, MI in 1981, where they would raise their two children and become active members of First Baptist Church and an integral part of the Charlotte community. Ed was instrumental in the Charlotte High School Vietnam Round Table, and helped the group bring the Vietnam Memorial Wall to Charlotte, a project which helped give him peace from his wartime experiences.
Ed grieved after Mona’s death in 2023. He found his independence with the help of his family, all of whom now deeply grieve his loss. Mona and Ed will both be remembered for their devotion to Faith, Family and Country.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Courtney (Scott) Quinn of Olivet; son, Kyle (Sharlene) Ellard of Farmington Hills; grandchildren, McKenna (Lindsey) Quinn and Conner Quinn; brothers, Danney Ellard of Delton and Roger (Connie) Ellard of Alabama; and copious nieces, nephews and family friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mona Ellard; two brothers, Bert Dexter Ellard, Jr. and Terry Ellard; sister-in-law, Carol Ellard; and his parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Ed’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ed’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the VFW Post 2406 of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.