Herman Don Ellis

Herman Don Ellis of Parks, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, November 27, 2015 in Parks, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. H. Don Ellis was born on February 10, 1935, in Parks, Arkansas, to Clyde Ellis and Ruby (Byram) Ellis.

At the young age of 17, Don moved to Wichita, KS where he met and married Iona Mae Riley on June 13, 1954. This marriage produced 3 daughters; Donna, Paula, and Linda; and 1 son Tommy. Don was a dedicated family man, not only to his wife and kids, but also to his large extended family. In 1976, he packed Iona and their two youngest kids up, and moved back to Parks AR., After 18 1/2 years of being a Feed Haul Driver for Tyson Foods of Waldron,, Don retired so he could do what he really enjoyed; spending time with family and friends, helping his community, woodworking, and spending time out in his shop just tinkering. He was a deacon and active member of the Parks Baptist Church in Parks, AR as well as the First Baptist Church in Waldron, AR. He participated in several mission trips, through the church, where he enjoyed working on the construction crew doing various jobs. Don will be greatly missed by his family and many friends in Arkansas and Kansas.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Iona M. (Riley) Ellis of Parks, AR; 2 daughters, Donna M. Bates and husband Randal of Wichita, KS and Linda C. Stafford and husband Jim of Tahlequah, OK. 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; several step grandchildren; 1 brother Dennis E. Ellis and wife Mary Lou of Wichita, KS.; and 1 sister-in-law B. Sue Ellis of Garfield, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde E. Ellis, Ruby S. Ellis, 1 brother RJ Ellis, 1 daughter Paula C. Padilla, and 1 son Tommy L. Ellis.

Don's life celebration will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the Parks Baptist Church in Parks, Arkansas with Rev. Bill Harwell and Rev. Andrew Ellis officiating. Interment will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery in Parks, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Don's pallbearers will be Chris Ellis, Bobby Ellis, James Ellis, Luis Gomez, Gage Russell and D.J. Russell. Honorary pallbearers will be Shon Padilla, Glenn Ballance, Domonique Padilla, Matt Lytle, Nolan Jacobs and Chris Stafford.

Don's visitation will be Monday, November 30, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home where Don's family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Lottie Moon Mission Offering, c/o Parks Baptist Church, P.O. Box 55, Parks, AR, 72950.