Wendell Charles Ellis

Wendell was born January 3,1943 in Wichita Falls, to parents Leslie Edward Ellis and Cecil

"Evelyn" Mason. After high school he joined the Army where he traveled the world serving as a paratrooper and ham radio operator for the 82nd and 101st Airborne divisions from 1960-1966.

Wendell married his wife Glenda Kay Mathews in Iowa Park, TX on June 30, 1969, and was just shy of 55 years of marriage upon his passing.

After the Army, Wendell worked as a truck driver, a welder and pipefitter, a restaurant manager, a RV salesman, and in retirement drove a school bus. Life and work took him to many places through the years. The one place he still wanted to go to before passing was to Alaska.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Baby Boy Ellis, and younger brothers Donny R. Ellis, William H. Rumbaugh, and Dr. Bruce W. Rumbaugh. Wendell is survived by his wife Glenda along with his four children and their spouses: Traci Diane Ryan (Darrell), Cody Ray Ellis, Amanda Kay Buchanek (Robert), Christopher Blake Ellis (Cecilia). He is also survived by six grandsons, three granddaughters, and three great-grandsons.

Wendell marched to his own drum, was a strong man, loved to camp and fish, listen to music, and generally just have a good time. He was well known for his sense of humor and ability to create laughter in even the most somber moments. He loved a good joke and often found his own the funniest. He was an avid reader with a thirst for knowledge. He adored animals and helped too many to count. Most of all he loved his family.

Wendell was a believer in Christ. Prior to his death he was baptized while surrounded by family. In that moment he said he had everything he needed.

A memorial service will be held at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home located at 1917

Archer City Hwy., Wichita Falls, TX on June 11, 2024 at 2pm. Interment of ashes with military honors to follow at Rosemont Cemetery, located at 4441 Southwest Pkwy, Wichita Falls, TX.

Should you wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following:

Humane Society of Wichita County,4360 Iowa Park Rd., Wichita Falls, TX 76305, or online at https://www.humanesocietyofwichitacounty.org/

Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Rd, Wichita Falls, TX 76310, or online at https://www.howf.org/donate/

Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at https://www.alz.org/