Ellis Leigh Jordan Oct. 23, 1929 - June 30, 2010

Ellis Leigh Jordan went to be with the Lord on June 30, 2010, after passing away peacefully in his beloved Corona Del Mar home of 35 years. He was born in Halls, Tenn., on Oct. 23, 1929, and was 80 years old.

Mr. Jordan received his bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, attended Northwestern University in Chicago, and earned his master’s degree from San Diego State University. Ellis also did post-graduate work in drama education at London University, England, and worked with the Readers’ Theatre at the University of Arizona.

Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy and obtained the rank of assistant company commander. Upon the completion of his military service he worked for Norge Sales Corp. in Chicago for four years. He then began an extensive and influential career as an educator in both business education and theater arts in California.

Ellis has been nationally recognized for his accomplishments in the field of theater arts and is still a great inspiration in the lives and careers of his students. The Rowland High School Theatre is named after him, and he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Educational Theatre Assn.

Some of his awards include Distinguished Laureate, Teacher of the Year, and both Trustee for National Governing Board and Hall of Fame for the Educational Theatre Assn. With his wife, he started the Ellis Jordan Thespian Scholarship, granted to promising high school drama students.

Ellis is survived by his wife, Marguerite (Peggy), daughter Lisa and brother Marvin, as well as three step-children, Karen, Brad and Brian. He also has eight step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 11 a.m. July 10 at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopalian Church in Corona Del Mar.