Mr. Elward Sallis

Elward Alonzo (Lonnie) Sallis passed away on Monday, June 10th, 2024, at Menorah Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas, at the age of 86. Elward was born on October 9, 1937, in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma to Verlene and Jeff Sallis. Elward, the youngest of three siblings, grew up in Ft. Gibson, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1955. After high school, Elward moved to Kansas City before joining the United States Air Force where he served four years before being honorably discharged. Upon his return to Kansas City, he became employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a Mail Handler in 1961. Throughout his tenure, he also served as the union steward for the Male Handlers Postal Union, Local 297, receiving various awards and accolades for his service. He later became the Treasurer, remaining in place until his retirement in February of 1999. Elward married Tillie (Cyrena) Hyter in 1965, whom he remained married to for close to 59 years upon his death. Their union brought forth two children, Jeffrey Sallis (Kris) and Julie Gray (Michael). Elward was a devoted family man, whose greatest desire was to see his children grow up and start their own families. Elward was overjoyed at the birth of all his granddaughters and elated when he got his first - and only - grandson! At home he spent plenty of time in his beloved recliner, talking on the phone or watching his favorite shows from back in the day, such as “Sanford and Son” and “The Lone Ranger” - even when it was still in black and white! Elward never went anywhere with making a new friend - or running into an old one. A charismatic, boisterous and humorous man, it was easy for Elward - known by many as “Big Sie” - to connect with people, no matter their age or background. During his tenure at the post office, he was known for taking incoming workers under his wing, showing them how to work - and have fun on the job. (Probably too much fun from what we heard!) Elward was also a big sports fan, who never missed watching his favorite teams - including the Kansas City Chiefs! His favorite outside hobbies were bowling with his team, hanging out with buddies, talking sports and monthly breakfasts with longtime friends. Elward was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Maxine Parlor and Elmer Charles Sallis. He leaves behind his wife Tillie (Cyrena) Sallis, his son Jeffrey Sallis (Kris), daughter Julie Gray (Michael), his four grandchildren Blake, Brianna, Taylor and grandson, Justin, along with a host of other relatives and friends. In his final days he said, “I’ve lived a good life. I’ve been to a lot of places. I’ve outlived my parents and siblings. I’ve seen my kids and grandchildren grow up. I’ve done a lot of good for others; people have done good for me. When you’re a good leader, people don’t forget that.’ Those of us who were blessed to have him in our lives won’t forget him. Rest well and healed. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelations 21:4 Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 30,2024, 3:00pm at United Believers Community Church. Interment, Monday, July 1, 11:00am at Leavenworth National Cemetery, LVNKS. Visitation 2:00pm- 3:00pm at the church. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolence may be shared on our website.

Mr. Elward Sallis

October 9, 1937 - June 10, 2024