The family of Ellis L. "Lebanon" Kincheloe of Lebanon, MO announces his passing, and invites all who knew him to remember him here.
These pages are a small offering toward a much larger life.
Ellis held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Faith gave Ellis a place to stand, and a place to return to.
Ellis LeRoy Kincheloe was born September 14, 1930 in Competition, Missouri to Francis and Eula Claxton Kincheloe. He departed this life Sunday, May 4, 2026 at his home in Lebanon, Missouri at 95 years, 7 months, and 19 days of age.
Ellis is preceded in death by his parents; Francis and Eula Kincheloe, his daughter; Deborah Sue Kincheloe, and his sister; Louise Amos.
He is survived by his wife of over 75 years; Maxine Kincheloe of the home, as well as two children; Stephen Kincheloe and wife Kathy of Lebanon, MO, Louanne Mizer and husband Terry of Lebanon, MO, four grandchildren; Joe Kincheloe and wife Crystal of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Stephanie Stephens and husband Paul of Stoutland, MO, Angela Shadel and husband Casey of Lebanon, MO, and Bradley Mizer and wife Michelle of Lebanon, MO, nine great-grandchildren; Shelby and Kiarra Stephens of Stoutland, MO; Kailey Riddle, husband Tanner of Dixon, MO; Beau, Nash, and Claire Shadel, Mason, Paxton, and Corbyn Mizer, all of Lebanon, MO, two step-granddaughters; Lisa Brown and husband Adam of Ashville, NC, and Laura Brown of Wilmington, NC, four step-great-grandchildren; Sibley and Finn Brown of Ashville, NC, Alyssa Walsh and husband Chris of Lebanon, MO, and Myra Finley of Oakdale, CA, three step-great-great-grandchildren; Noah, Elliott, and Izzie Walsh, all of Lebanon, MO, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and other family and dear friends.
Ellis was raised in the Competition area, graduating from Competition High School. After high school, Ellis graduated from the American School of Photography in Chicago. In 1951, he joined the United States Air Force, serving his country faithfully from 1951-1955. He spent most of his time in the service in Colorado Springs, where he worked in the base commissary and as the Chief Projectionist for the Ent Air Force Base Theater.
On October 8, 1950, Ellis married Maxine O'Quinn. The couple went on to share over 75 years together building a business, a family, and a reputation for excellence.
After return home from the service, Ellis worked for the newspaper as well as continuing his work as General Manager for the Lyric Theater in Lebanon. In 1956, he would open Kincheloe Photography Studios, where he and Maxine would make their careers for over 47 years. Ellis became widely known for his wedding photography, private portraits, as well as school pictures throughout the region.
In his spare time, Ellis loved to learn about the film industry. He always kept a dedicated theater in his home where he would enjoy classic films, with a special appreciation for westerns. Ellis enjoyed not just the storytelling, but the mechanics of making a motion picture.
Ellis professed his faith in Christ on Easter Sunday 1951. He spent many years reading the Bible, and took a special interest in the End Times. He maintained his membership at Antioch Baptist Church, where he was saved, and served as a Deacon for many years, later joining First Baptist Church and most recently, Hillcrest Baptist Church. Ellis watched the news faithfully, carrying out what he saw as his duty to remain informed.
Ellis's zest for life, love of family, and passion for the cinema will be long remembered by all of his family and friends.
Private family services will be held. Friends may call at Holman Howe Funeral Home throughout the week. Burial and full military rites by the United States Air Force will follow at Antioch Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in Ellis's honor to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Claws and Paws, or St. Louis Children's Hospital Foundation.
