DAVENPORT, Iowa -- A beloved musician in the Quad Cities, Ellis Kell, has passed away.
In October of 2016, Kell was diagnosed with cancer, according to a blog kept about his condition on GoFund Me. The cancer he was battling was adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Doctors discovered that his cancer was at stage four and had spread to his lungs and liver, the GoFund Me read. He underwent four weeks of chemotherapy.
On December 16, 2016, an update was added to that blog breaking the news.
"It's a dark day in the Quad Cities. For many of us, the music has stopped.
Kristi and Ali asked me to share that Ellis passed away this morning. His suffering has ended and he's now with his beloved daughter, Karli Rose.
Ellis Kell is a local legend. Bigger than life. This is a devastating loss for the family and the Quad Cities
The family has asked for time and solitude. They will be making arrangements on Monday and will post as soon as service details are available.
Please continue your prayers for Kristi, Ali, Jack and Karli. On top of this loss, Kristi's father is gravely ill and needs time, love and lots prayers.
In the words of Ellis' icon, Elvis Presley, "It's a Blue Christmas." May God's Grace, peace and the comfort of family fill all our hearts.
With all my love and adoration for my hero and dear friend.
Rene Gellerman"
Through his battle, it was clear that Kell was not in this alone. Friends and supporters donated more than $19,000 to his GoFund Me account to help him fight his battle. Along with donations, they left messages of support and comfort.
Kell's life was surrounded by music, for which he carried an obvious passion. He once said "life without music would just be a cruel joke... I think it's the greatest gift we were ever given."
He used his passion and gift for music to reach out to the community, and to get him through tough times. After the tragic passing of his daughter Karlie, Kell and his wife founded the Karlie Rose Music Scholarship Fund to help young musicians follow their dreams.
Here are some originals Ellis Kell performed for River Music Experience.