It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, John Daniel Ely, II, on August 25, 2026. He was a resident of Santa Fe, Texas. John was born September 17, 1954 to proud parents, John Daniel Ely and Helen Zulick Ely in Corpus Christi, Texas.

He was a member of Saint Jonah Orthodox Church in Spring, Texas. John’s career as a metallurgical engineer sent him all over the United States, from Olympia, WA to Philadelphia, PA and finally, home to Texas before his retirement. He was a devoted son, father, and grandfather. In 2022, he received his certification as a Master Gardener. He spent the majority of his retirement at The Discovery Garden in Hitchcock, where he managed to grow rhubarb despite the Texas heat. There, he made many beloved friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents.

He leaves behind to cherish a lifetime of memories as well as achievements, his daughter, Jordan Anna Ely and husband Jeremy Ruwoldt; son, John Daniel Ely, III and wife, Hillary; three grandchildren, Reid, Lola, and Lane, to whom he is known as “Grandpa Texas”; numerous extended family, friends, and colleagues.

In his honor a funeral will be held on Thursday, August 3, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the Saint Jonah Orthodox Church, 2910 Spring Cypress Rd, Spring, Texas. Interment will follow at Galveston Memorial Park, Hitchcock, Texas, with a celebration of life to follow at The Discovery Garden, 4102 Main Street, LaMarque, TX at 2:00 PM.