Verlin Dale Ellis, age 80, of Strafford, MO, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2011, at St. John’s Medical Center. He was born February 26, 1931, in Gentry County, MO, to Elvis and Marjorie (Craven) Ellis. He is a U.S. Navy Korean War Veteran.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elvis Ellis and Marjorie Powers; his wife Marianna Ellis; step father Ernest Powers; two brothers: Carl Powers, and Bryson Ellis.
He is survived by his three children: Debbie Austin and husband Tommy, Danette LaFollette and companion David Branstetter, and Alan Ellis and wife Delana all of Strafford, MO; loving companion Kathy Sprigg of Strafford, MO; seven grandchildren: Brad, Shawn, Eric, Jeanette, Rachel, Brian, and Tiffany; seven great grandchildren; one brother Melvin Powers of Parnell, MO; one sister Roberta Wallace of Gentry, MO; as well as a host of other relatives and friends; and a special buddy his dog Casey.
There was never a truck stop that he didn’t want to stop at. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding 4-wheelers, and traveling. He loved to experence life, taking in all that he could see along the way. His grandchildren were very important to him. He never met a stranger.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2011, at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, Springfield, MO, with Pastor Trent Wilhite officiating. Burial will follow in Danforth Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2011, in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East, Springfield, MO.