Donald R. Ellis

Born in Rome, New York Don was the second or third oldest in a family of 10 children (as a twin even their mother wasn’t sure who came first.) At age 15 the family moved to their mom’s hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Soon after graduation, Don joined the Marine Corp and served for four years including a tour of duty in Vietnam during the 1968 Tet Offensive. He was a communication and navigation technician on the F4 Phantom Jet.

After his Marine Corp service, Don was hired on with Xerox Corporation and was employed for 42 years with duties as a service technician, service specialist, and service manager. He was manager for the Santa Barbara and Lake Casitas venues for Xerox Corporation during the 1984 Olympics.

Since Don was 12 years old, he had enjoyed hunting with his dad, grandfather, brothers, nephews, and friends.

As a young man he accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. In his 20’s he dedicated his life to serving his Lord. He was an adult Bible study teacher for more than 14 years at First Baptist Church of Greenacres (now Grace Baptist Church) where he also was licensed as a pastor in April of 2006.

Don is preceded in death by his dad Robert M. Ellis, mother Betty Ellis, brother Bob Ellis, sister Pamela Sue Ellis, sister Patti and her husband Ken McCain, and stepdaughter Denise Wood. He is survived by his loving wife Dell of 54 years, stepson Troy Morgan and wife Marian of Marsing, Idaho, stepson Rodney Morgan and wife Teresa of Boise, Idaho, daughter Casey Hefner and husband Robert of Bakersfield, CA. Grandchildren Troy Morgan, Glenn Morgan, Kalae Eastman, Tiffany Lomeli, Heather Hensley, Ryan Morgan, Grayson Hefner, and Lexi Hefner. Great Grandchildren Collin, Dillon, Kaizer, Kingsley, Aiden, Mabel, Tyler, Caleb, Maya, Ethan, Oliver and Chelsie. Great-Great Grandchildren Noah and Brayton. Brother Ron Ellis and Wife Marilyn of Gold Canyon, Arizona, brother Danny Ellis and wife Cindy of Pagosa Springs, CO, sister Pegi Blackstone and husband Steve of Phoenix, Arizona, brother Tim Ellis and wife Lori of Albuquerque, NM, sister Debi Ostgulen and husband Dave of Albuquerque, NM, brother Tom Ellis and wife Leanne of Albuquerque, NM, and many nephews and nieces.

Services will be held at Grace Baptist Church 2550 Jewetta Ave. Bakersfield, CA on Saturday September 23, 2023 at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donald's memory may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 2550 Jewetta Ave, Bakersfield, CA. Please click on the Donations button below.