[2] Ellison received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1951 and concurrently received a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1951.
He served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953, achieving the rank of captain.
[3] On September 28, 1979, Ellison was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma vacated by Judge Allen E. Barrow.
Ellison was confirmed by the United States Senate on October 31, 1979, and received his commission on November 2, 1979.
Ellison served as Chief Judge from 1992 to 1994, assuming senior status on November 7, 1994.