Mr. Donald Howard Ellis

August 17, 1940 - February 20, 2022

Donald H. Ellis passed from this life at his home in Willow Springs, MO to Heaven’s cattle range, on February 20, 2022, at the age of 81. Don was born in Shiprock, New Mexico, August 17, 1940, to the late Wilbur William and Aletha Bernice Ellis (Wynn). As a young boy, the family moved to Antlers, Oklahoma then to Hominy, Oklahoma where he attended school until the 9th grade. Don was a lifelong cattleman; his early days of cow punching were spent in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas working with cattle on several ranches, breaking and training horses, bronc riding at rodeos, working the sale barn, and as a farrier (most would say the best in the area). Most people didn’t know that Don had a beautiful singing voice. In grammar school, his teacher always asked him to sing the National Anthem; then later as a teenager/young adult he sang at the local honky-tonks. Don planted his roots and built his homestead 38 years ago in Willow Springs, MO, continuing to live his dream of raising cattle. He lived his life by the cowboy code of ethics. He always had a smile and kind word for anyone he saw; he was always there to lend a helping hand to those in need, and he loved his family with his whole heart. Don was preceded in death by both his parents; his stepfather, Thomas (Tom) Wynn; oldest brother, William (Bill) Ellis; his niece Tammy Patterson; and youngest brother, Sammy Wynn. Don is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol of the home; two daughters, Becky Ellis and Ladona Adams (Robert) of Texarkana, Texas; four grandchildren: Carl Jensen of Ashdown, Arkansas; Courtney Adams; and Charles Adams of Texarkana, Texas; Clorissa Adams of Columbia, Missouri; and one great grandson, Aiden Don Adams of Texarkana, Texas; his oldest sister JoAnn Turner (Jerry) of Greenville, Texas; middle brother, Richard Wynn (Kelly) of Skiatook, Oklahoma; youngest sister, Mary Jane Carter of Hominy, Oklahoma; numerous cousins and several nieces and nephews sprinkled across Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Alaska. Don was not one for funerals; as per his wishes there will not be one at this time. A private memorial service will be held at a later date and his ashes will then be spread on the home place. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com