Donald Eugene ELLIS

ELLIS, MATHERLY, BLACKFORD

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/6/2015 at 13:06:32

January 4, 1934 --- May 31, 2015

Donald Eugene Ellis died peacefully in Heritage Care Center on May 31, 2015 in Iowa Falls, IA at the age of 81.

Don was born on January 4, 1934 in Fonda, Iowa to Omer and Beulah (Matherly) Ellis. In 1939, Don’s parents purchased the farm southeast of Dows. He completed 8th grade and then went back to school and received his high school equivalency diploma on May 23, 1988. Don married Margaret Ann Blackford on March 9, 1958, and made their home east of Dows. They then moved into Dows for a short time and settled on an acreage west of Dows. This is where Don farmed for many years and took up his retirement. They were blessed with two sons, Kevin and Brian. His children remember him as a kind, gentle, loving father who encouraged them to pursue their dreams and accomplish their goals.

Don was enlisted into the United States Marine Corps on September 18, 1953 at the age of 19 in Camp Pendleton, CA. He served overseas in Korea from 1953 to 1956. Don received many letters of recommendation while serving our country. He was appointed private first class on December 11, 1953, Corporal on January 1, 1955, and Sergeant on April 1, 1956. Don received letters of exemplary service and certificate of good conduct during this time. Don’s letters repeated that his conduct during service denotes honest and faithful service in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps. And this is how Don served in his daily life.

Don was accomplished at farming, mowing, and helping with the gardening. He served as the Blaine Township Trustee from March 1977 to present. Don was also on the Dows Rural Fire Association board where he served as chairman for many years. Don was a long time member of the Dows Lions Club, and a past mameber of the Dows Corn Days Committee. Don and Margaret enjoyed numerous winters in Harlingen, Texas, enjoying the warm weather and great friends. He was a generous, witty, and dedicated individual who loved his wife dearly, and his family. Don will be dearly missed by many.

Don is survived by his two sons Kevin (Sherry) Ellis and Brian (Betty) Ellis, all of Dows; five grandchildren, Kenley (Pete), Keldon, Korey, Breanna, and Clay; and two great-grandsons Dake and Lincoln. He is preceded in death by his wife Margaret, his parents Omer and Beulah Ellis, and four brothers James, Harold, Raymond, and La Verne Ellis.

A funeral is scheduled for 10:30 AM on Thursday, June 4, 2015, at the United Presbyterian Church, 219 1st Street North West in Clarion, with Pastor Bill Kem officiating. A reception will follow at the Dows Convention Center in Dows, all are welcome to attend and celebrate Don’s life. Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Dows at 1:45 PM on Thursday. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Ewing Funeral Home -- Clarion, Iowa
http://www.ewingfh.com/obituaries.php?id=880