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Incident
Marshal Ellis was shot and killed after responding to a service station after receiving reports that weapons were inside a car that had been brought in for service by two brothers. When Marshal Ellis arrived at the scene he discovered that the car had been stolen from Kansas. A shootout broke out between the marshal and the two brothers. One of the brothers was mortally wounded by Marshal Ellis. The other brother, who shot Marshall Ellis in the throat, escaped.
Survivors
Marshal Ellis was survived by his wife and one child.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
City Marshal Ellis served with the Bartlesville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bartlesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Ellis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Bartlesville Police Department has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1924, 1 officer at Bartlesville Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1924, 7 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 28. Of the 2 killed feloniously at Bartlesville Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 36.5 and 53.5; the middle age was 45.
William was 28. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42.
William was 28. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
William was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 20% of these deaths at Bartlesville Police Department; January holds the most, 20%. Saturdays: 20%.
October holds 6.5% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Saturdays: 16.1%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Bartlesville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 80% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Bartlesville Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Bartlesville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
