Ellis Marion Vawter, 95, of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away at his home on February 11, 2026.

Ellis was born July 24, 1930, in Culdesac, Idaho, to Arthur and Gladys Vawter.  He graduated from Culdesac High School in 1950 and soon enlisted in the Army, serving in a engineer’s unit until he was honorably discharged in 1952.  While on leave he met Gladys Morrison and they married in Lewiston April 4, 1953.

The Army recognized his mechanical talent, and he used the G.I. Bill to train as an auto machinist, a career that would define his professional life.  In 1956 Ellis and Gladys moved to St. Maries and founded St. Maries Auto Parts.  They operated the business for thirty years built on the foundation of hard work and honesty before selling in 1986.

They then did some traveling, spent a season working in an Alaskan fish camp as a guide, ran tractor for his nephew on his farm in Genesee, and in 1992 took the job with the State of Idaho as caretakers of the backcountry airport at Johnson Creek near Yellow Pine, Idaho for three seasons.  This allowed Ellis to utilize his beloved Piper PA12 Supercub.  When home he enjoyed flying over the beauty of Benewah and Shoshone counties.  He took many people for rides over the years.  On the ground a great day was cruising the woods in his Jeep getting a jag of firewood.  During the winters he would snowmobile.

If Ellis enjoyed something he never went halfway.  For a period, it was his craving for popcorn that resulted in a giant popcorn maker he built and used at many local events for years.  Gardening became a passion until his passing.  He had an enormous garden that he liked to share all that it produced.  His love of sauerkraut and making it became a social event at his home each year that created many wonderful friendships.  Baking bread and giving it away was one of his last endeavors.

Ellis joined the Kiwanis Club in 1969 and was voted Kiwanian of the year 5 times and awarded to their legion of honor for his fifty plus years of service to the community he cared so much for.  He also was a member of the Master Gardeners and held the title Master Gardener Emeritus.  Ellis lived his 95 years with purpose, generosity, and joy.  His spirit of service, craftsmanship, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Ellis is survived by his son Les (Dana) Vawter, grandchildren Mitchell and Libby Vawter, son-in law Eric Harris, brother Skip Vawter, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gladys of 71 years, daughter Lyn Harris, brother Glenn Vawter, and sisters Velda, Melba, and Erma.

Military honors will be presented for Ellis on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 12:00 noon at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Veteran’s Memorial. A celebration of life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Nazarene Church with a gathering afterwards to share a meal.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Benewah County Veterans Outreach Center