Donnie Ellis 73, of the Pack Community in McLean County, Kentucky passed away Friday, August 2, 2024 at his home. Donnie Ellis was born October 29, 1950 in Madisonville, Kentucky to the late Herbert B. and Lula Mae McElroy Ellis and was married to the former Dorothy Jane Medley on September 19, 1969. A loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that was known for his gentle nature and handy skills that he shared generously with those around him.
Donnie’s work ethic was evident from an early age as he started working at V.E. Anderson’s Windows in Owensboro. He then honed his skills as a farmer, mechanic, and truck driver for Dewey Bibb & Son Farm. In 1974, Donnie embraced his passion for farming and established his farm in McLean County, which he diligently managed for 45 years, retiring in 2019. Even while he ran his own farm, Donnie continued to work part-time at Dewey Bibb and Son Farm.
His interests were as robust as his work ethic. Donnie was an enthusiastic participant in tractor pulling, enjoyed drag racing, and was an avid NASCAR fan. His leadership qualities shone through as he served as an officer for the McLean County Tractor Pulling Association, where he was a respected and influential figure.
Donnie was the embodiment of a life well-lived, marked by his dedication to his family, his work, and his community. He will be remembered for his handy talents, whether fixing a stubborn engine or tending to his crops, and for his gentle spirit that could calm any storm. Donnie’s legacy will continue to live on, not only in the hearts of his family and friends but also in the fields he farmed and the machines he loved.
Donnie Ellis was a man who left the world a better place through his kindness, his contributions to the land, and the love he had for his family. His memory will be cherished, and his stories will be told to generations to come, inspiring them to live with the same integrity and warmth that he did.
In addition to his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by his twin brother, Dannie Ellis.
Donnie is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jane Ellis; a son, Donald ‘D.W.’ Ellis (Mary Ann) of Pack; two grandchildren, Logan Ellis and Kayela Ellis; 3 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Brenda Hedges of Livermore.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel. Burial will be in the Poplar Grove Cemetery in McLean County. Friends may visit with Donnie’s family from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday and from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Tuesday at Musters in Calhoun.
The Donnie Ellis family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Poplar Grove Cemetery Fund; P.O. Box 234; Sacramento, Kentucky 42372.
Donnie’s services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday.
Share your memories and photos of Donnie at musterfuneralhomes.com.