Richard Keith Ellis was born on March 21, 1929 to Mildred and Mike Ellis in Sioux City, Iowa. He is now home with his Lord after battling a short and unexpected illness.He graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1946 and went on to earn his BA from San Jose State.Richard joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He served on the USAF Base in Lincoln, England as the manager of the commissary. After arriving back in Bakersfield, he worked as the bookkeeper for Standard Oil until he changed careers and began teaching fourth grade at Jefferson Elementary School. He later moved on to teaching at East Bakersfield High School where he became the business department chair and golf coach. Richard enjoyed golfing, traveling the United States, Canada and Europe and reading.He is preceded in death by his parents Mike and Mildred. He is survived by his beloved wife Carolyn, his daughters Debbie and Cheryl, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at Reedley Cemetery at 1:00 pm. A celebration of Richard's life will follow at Palm Village chapel at 2:00 pm.