Richard Ellis

Richard R. Ellis, age 81 of Kirksville passed away peacefully Tuesday morning (May 24, 2016) at Twin Pines Adult Care Center.

He was born in Kirksville on August 28, 1934 at Laughlin Hospital, the son of Dr. Harold and Louise Riley Ellis. He was united in marriage to Judith Simpson in December 21, 1958 at the First Baptist Church in Kirksville.

Richard is survived by his wife, Judith; one daughter, Melinda and husband Tod Engle of Champaign, IL; two sons, Richard Riley and wife Larinda Ellis of Kirksville and Stephen and wife Melissa Ellis of Kirksville; one brother, Mike Ellis and wife Pam of St. Louis, MO; one sister, Sonja Greeves of Monroe City, MO; grandchildren, Whitney Engle, Stacie Bevill, Sara Ellis, Alexandra Engle, Zakary Engle, and Madalyn Ellis; and one great grandson, Ryker Bevill.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Dee Harris.

Richard grew up in Monroe City, MO and attended school there until he entered Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO, where he graduated in 1955. He then attended Worsham Mortuary School of Science in Chicago, IL. Upon graduation he moved to Kirksville to work for his uncle, Paul Riley at the Dee Riley Funeral Home. He later began working at the Simpson Printing Company (currently S&S Printing and Graphics) where he became part owner for close to fifty years.

Richard was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Kirksville. He was a loyal member and served on several committees and always enjoyed ushering for many years. He was chairman of N.A.C.D for twenty years and helped with their many telethons. He was a member of the Kirksville Rotary Club for 40 years and had 20 years of perfect attendance. He was also a member of the Kirksville Saddle Club, the Lion’s Club, Jaycees, Adair Lodge #366 A.F. & A.M., and the El Kadir Shrine Club.

He always enjoyed going to the coffee shop and visiting with friends, golfing, working in the yard, and having a great time with his family and he especially enjoyed his six grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home.

A masonic service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday (May 27, 2016) with the funeral service to follow at the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home with Reverend Jason Marlin officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hills Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Richard Ellis, Stephen Ellis, Tod Engle, Zakary Engle, Justin Bevill and Mike Ellis. Honorary bearers will be Tony Swain, Kenny Miller, Wil Stock, Jim Harding, Ed Carpenter, David Nichols, Gerald Tade, Charles Baldwin, Norm Hughes, Dub Novinger, Walt Ryle, Henry Simpson, and Vern Playle.

Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home
2100 E. Shepherd Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501 660-665-2233

Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church.