Marion Lawrence Ellzey Jr.

Marion Lawrence Ellzey, Jr. died in El Paso on August 19, 2023. He was 84 years old. Lawrence was born in Shattuck, Oklahoma on April 13, 1939, to Mary Frances Scogin and Marion Lawrence Ellzey. He was preceded in death by Marion Lawrence Ellzey, Mary Frances Ellzey, and his brother, Thomas Scogin Ellzey (Wipada). He is survived by his wife, Joanne Tontz Ellzey, brother John C. Ellzey (Sharon), brother Stephen F. Ellzey (Susan), sister Jill M. Ellzey, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Lawrence grew up on the LZ Ranch. He graduated from Perryton High School and obtained an undergraduate degree in physics from Rice University where he had a Merit Scholarship. He obtained a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1966 from The University of Texas at Austin followed by a postdoctoral position. He began a teaching-research career in 1968 at the University of Texas at El Paso. He married Joanne Charlotte Tontz, Ph.D. in January 1969. He was highly respected for his research in theoretical chemistry. He will be remembered for his smile, mentoring, and teaching for forty-six years. He was awarded a Service Award from the College of Science for his leadership including chairing the Faculty Senate for two terms. He retired in 2014 as a Professor Emeritus. He was active in leadership positions at Western Hills United Methodist Church and the New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Donations may be made in his memory to WHUMC for UMCOR. A memorial service will be held at Western Hills United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. on September 19, 2023. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West.