Walter Ellis Cook, age 85, of New London, died Friday, January 16, 2009 at Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk after a lingering illness. Ellis was born December 28, 1923 in Hartland Twp. and had lived in the New London area all of his life. He was a 1941 graduate of New London High School and served in the US Army during WWII, in the Pacific Theatre, he was involved in the occupation forces in Japan; he joined the paratroopers and had made 5 jumps. Ellis drove truck for many years for many companies including, Harry Rowland trucking and K.B. Rowland Trucking. He retired in 1989 and then worked part time for Firelands Electric Cooperative in New London. Ellis was a member of the New London United Methodist Church, where he sang in the church choir for over 30 years. He also went on several mission trips with the United Methodist Church. He was a member and past master of the New London Grange #2401 and the Huron County Pamona Grange; he was also a member of the State and National Grange. Ellis was a member of the former New London Sailing Club and the Avion Travelcade Club. He helped with the Huron County Meals on Wheels program and was a member of the New London Ruritan. He enjoyed spending time with his family and woodworking. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Rosalyn (Mitchell) Cook, 2 daughters, Charlotte (Ed) Dobrinsky of Pittsburg, PA and Chris (David) Porter of New London; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; and a sister, Winifred Buderer of Amherst. Ellis was preceded in death by his daughter, Janet L. 'Janny' Thomas and a sister Jean Rowland. Friends will be received 5-8 p.m. Monday, January 19th at the Eastman Funeral Home, 200 West Main Street, New London, where funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday with Rev. Cathy Ake officiating. Burial will follow at Grove Street Cemetery, New London. Memorials may be made to the American Heart, the American Cancer Society or the New London Public Library.