Edward Clinton Ellison, 90, of Rising Sun, MD, died suddenly, Monday, January 27, 2014.Edward was born September 12, 1923 in Media, Delaware County, PA to the late Edward Clinton and Reba Ellison, Sr.

Edward graduated from Church Farm School in Exton, PA. Following his graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy in January of 1943 as an apprentice seaman, taking his boot camp training at Sampson Navel Base in New York. After boot camp, he was a gunner for the Armed Guards on several merchant ships. After his assignment on the USS Ostara (aka 33), Edward went to Adak, Alaska where he served in the Sea Bees.

When back to the states, Edward was departing from Seattle to Philadelphia on leave when his life came crashing down. The right engine of the plane failed on his flight caused the plane to crash in Boeing Field, WA at 10:03pm on July 19, 1949, where 6 died and 33 were hurt. The Seattle Daily Times gave details of the plane crash, such as the plane breaking in half, bursting into flames and landing on top of several residences. Edward was then approached by the husband of Dorothy Felip to keep an eye on his wife who shared the seat next to him. Mrs. Felip was leary of flying and she was traveling with a little dog expecting to give birth to a litter of puppies.

Edward remembered the event happening this way: His seatbelt jammed and he had a tough time getting it loose. By the time he and Mrs. Felip got to the section of the plane where he and Mrs. Felip could jump, everyone else had jumped, except for both of them. Edward shoved Mrs. Felip who yelled, “Get my dog!” Edward grabbed a long piece of metal from the plane wreckage and gave the dog a little wack across his hind quarters, causing the tiny dog to fall out of the plane landing near Mrs. Felip. Both Mrs. Felip and Edward were then transported to the hospital and treated for their injuries.

Edward continued serving in the Navy aboard many ships which included the USS Tovana, the USS Cavalier, and the USS Consolation (a hospital ship). Edward’s last assignment in the Navy was being a baker/cook at Bainbridge Navel Training Center in Port Deposit, MD, where he retired from the Navy in September of 1964.

Edward was an active member in the Fleet Reserve Association, Bainbridge Branch, 168. He was also a member of the Big Band Society in Wilmington, DE, the Rising Sun Lions Club, the American Legion, Post 194, the Cecil County Historical Society, the Mount Pleasant UMC and Janes UMC. Edward was also a Boy Scout leader from 1968-1975 for Troop 28 of Rising Sun, MD.

Edward enjoyed being with his family and friends, playing cards, going to Navy ship reunions and dancing to Big Band music. He also enjoyed collecting old local post cards, local history, and collecting antique bottles.

Edward is survived by his two sons, Edward M. Ellison of Essex, MD and Glenn M. Ellison of Pasadena, MD; sister, Celeste Selin of West Chester, PA; and two grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by his wife, Elmina Ellison and his sister Audrey Stillwell.

A visitation will be held from 6-9pm on Monday, February 3, 2014 at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 111 S. Queen St., Rising Sun, MD 21911. The service will be held at 11am Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at Janes United Methodist Church, 213 N. Walnut St., Rising Sun, MD 21911. Burial will follow at Philadelphia Memorial Park in Frazer, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to Janes UMC or the Wounded Warrior Project and sent in care to the funeral home.