Dennis William Elledge, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at his home in Du Quoin, Illinois.
He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Denny was born April 9, 1937, in Harrisburg, Illinois, the son of Clarence and Edna (Williams) Elledge, and spent virtually his entire life in Illinois, including 56 years in Du Quoin. He was a graduate of Litchfield High School (Class of 1955) and attended Southern Illinois University – Carbondale where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
Denny and Joyce Halstead were married December 19, 1958, in Vienna, Illinois, celebrated 67 years together and share two children, Bryce Elledge and wife Andrea of The Villages, Florida, and Dennise Pigg and husband Bradley of Hampton, Virginia; five grandchildren:  Kate Elledge, Jacob Elledge, Hope Elledge, Erica Maynard and Hollann Pigg; and great granddaughter Natalie Estes. All of whom survive him. He is also survived by one sister, Jane Hamilton and husband Jeff of O'Fallon, Missouri, and nieces, Meghan Strassner and Allyson Hamilton, and nephew Jordan Hamilton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one son at birth.
Denny was a well-known businessman and entrepreneur. He served in managerial positions with Turco Manufacturing Company and Arch Coal Company and founded The Corner Bakery and Southern Illinois Automotive Electronics in Du Quoin. He was a long-time member of the Du Quoin Chamber of Commerce and a recipient of its President's Service Award. He was also instrumental in establishing the Du Quoin Swim Team. Denny was a 20-year member of Elkville Christian Church. And he was a lover of flight; he held a private pilot's license and flew his Cessna across Illinois and the country.
Denny will be remembered with love and joy by his family and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Bro. Gary Pruitt officiating.
Friends may call from 10 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Inurnment will be at a later date at Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin, IL.
Friends may make memorials to the Elkville Christian Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.