Bill Ellis

(From Parker Mortuary)

Bill Earl Ellis, age 81, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 21, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. Born September 10, 1943, in Hockerville, Oklahoma, Bill was the son of George Herman Ellis and Lina Lee (Hansford) Ellis. He spent his early years in various towns before planting deep roots in Carl Junction, where he attended high school and built a life grounded in hard work, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to family. Bill was a man of grit and heart.

He spent years in construction before founding Midwest Pest Control, a business he built from the ground up and ran with pride until his retirement in 2001. But retirement didn’t slow him down—Bill went on to spend the next 20 years raising cattle, staying close to the land and the values he loved. 

Whether it was fixing fences, checking cows, or tending the land, he never minded the work—it was in his blood. He was the kind of man whose word meant everything. If you were lucky enough to be in his circle, you knew it—and you knew you were there for life. He believed in doing right by people, putting in the effort, and living with purpose. 

Bill shared a rare and lasting love with his wife of 61 years, Linda (Thornbrugh) Ellis. Together, they raised three sons and ran the well-known Midwest Coon Dog Sale as a family. That bond—of love, laughter, and hard work—was the cornerstone of his life. Family was everything to him, and he treasured every moment spent around the table, in the woods, or out in the pasture with his kids and grandkids. A true outdoorsman, Bill loved hunting and fishing with his sons. He had a lifetime passion for buying horses, training, trading, and selling with the instincts of an old-school cowboy and the handshake deals to match.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Larry Ellis; and two sisters, Lina Tennis and Mary Elizabeth Ellis; Brother-in-laws Danny Tennis and Wayne Dunn grandson-in-law Tim Forst, and great-grandchild Justin Ellis.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Linda; and their sons, Jace Ellis and wife Sheila of Carthage, MO, Jim Ellis and wife Cammy of Carl Junction, and Jack Ellis and wife Melissa of Reeds Spring, MO He also leaves behind seven grandchildren Jace Ellis, Jr and wife Liz of Carthage, Jessy Rodgers and husband Darron of Knob Noster, MO, Katy Baldwin of Joplin, Jimmy Ellis and wife Megan of Bristo, OK, Taylor Cook and husband Rik of Springfield, MO, William Ellis and wife Rebekah, and Delainey Ellis all of Reeds Spring, MO; nine great-grandchildren: Ellie, Tripp, Jaxon, Josette, Charlie, Forrest, Jacie, Trey, and one eagerly awaited arrival. Bill is also survived by his brothers: Herman Ellis (Alice) of Joplin and Jay Ellis (Sharon) of Webb City; his sisters: Joyce Dunn of Carl Junction and Betty Sue Smith of Joplin; and many nieces, nephews.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be sent to Three Rivers Hospice, 631 N Spring Park Blvd, Mt Vernon, MO 65712.

Bill Ellis was the definition of a strong man: his steady presence, loyalty, hard work, and devotion to his family were key attributes that spoke of his character. His stories, his work ethic, his handshake deals, and the deep love he carried for those closest to him will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary Chapel. Inurnment of his ashes will be at a later date by family in Carl Junction Cemetery.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary