ELLISVILLE • An Ellisville man died late Monday night after being struck by a car as he crossed Clarkson Road, police said.

Leo Ellinger, 81, who lived at the Fountains of West County retirement community on Clayton Road, died at 10:52 p.m. after he was struck by a northbound Cadillac STS about 400 feet south of Clayton Road, police said.

Ellisville Police Chief Tom Felgate said Ellinger was crossing Clarkson Road about 5:50 p.m. when he stepped in front of the Cadillac. Felgate said Ellinger was alone when he was hit.

Felgate said the 68-year-old man driving the Cadillac was traveling below the posted speed limit of 35 mph and told police he didn't see Ellinger, who was wearing dark clothing. Felgate said the Cadillac's driver cooperated with police after hitting Ellinger.

"He didn't realize it until the impact and immediately stopped," Felgate said.

The driver will not face criminal charges, Felgate said.

An ambulance took Ellinger to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur where he died late Monday.

Kenneth Ellinger of Chesterfield, says his father frequently walked from the Fountains senior living facility at 15826 Clayton Road on errands to nearby stores "to get exercise, fresh air and for variety."

"The assumption is he was going to one of those places but we're not sure," he said.

The Fountains is an independent living facility and residents come and go as they please.

Kenneth Ellinger said that his father and mother, Betty Ellinger, had been living at the facility for about 18 months and that Leo Ellinger was in good health.

Leo Ellinger was born in October 1930 and raised in the St. Joseph Home for Boys. He lived in the South St. Louis area for most of his life where he worked as a boilermaker and raised five children with Betty Ellinger.

Kenneth Ellinger described his father as a man who was generous with his time, volunteering as a coach and with other organizations. He was also a creature of habit who loved routines and was always punctual, if not early.

"He loved kids and family," said Kenneth Ellinger. "Obviously growing up as an orphan anytime he could spend time with family was important to him. He also looked forward to getting mail. It had something to do with getting mail in the orphanage, and didn't matter what it was.

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EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story said the victim had crossed from the east side of the road to the west side based on information from police. Police now say it is not clear which direction he was going.