Thursday, October 1, 2026
Ellis Dwight Morehead, 87, passed away at his home in University Place, Washington on December 8, 2025 after a short illness. Ellis was born in Chelan on August 1, 1938 to Glenn and Hazelle Morehead (nee Williams). Ellis lived a short while in Pateros as a young child, and grew up in Manson. He graduated from Manson High School in 1956.
He enlisted in the Air Force in 1956, serving eight years in Mississippi, Louisiana and England. At the end of his enlistment, he joined the Washington State Patrol and graduated from the 35th Trooper Basic Training class on October 8, 1965.
He began his career in Tacoma and was transferred to Lake Chelan in March 1968. He patrolled the roads of Chelan for 7 years along with his friend and fellow trooper, Steve Wagner. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1975 and went on to serve with various assignments including Monroe, Everett, Bremerton and SWAT. He summited Mount Rainier with members of his SWAT team in August 1984.
After his promotion to Lieutenant in 1995, he finished his State Patrol career at Tacoma district headquarters and retired from service in 1998 after 33 years.
He enjoyed many hobbies in his lifetime, including golf, travel, fishing, collecting cast iron and was always ready to raise a glass to say ‘Cheers’. Family cabins at Canoe Creek on Lake Chelan remained his favorite place in the entire world.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce, daughters Sandra Hulteen (Grant), Karen Morehead, Jennifer Mettler (Thomas), son Steven Morehead (Kelly), brother Dean Morehead (Kaki) and nieces Catharine Morehead and Lynda Morehead (Tony Ross). He is also survived by his former wife, Gayle Morehead. In addition, there are 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Don Morehead.
A remembrance will take place at Canoe Creek, Lake Chelan in the summer of 2026.
