Donne Kim Ellis

Donne Kim Ellis died on December 14, 2025 at the age of 86. He was born on June 9, 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri to Ruby Boyd Ellis and Thomas De Reamer Joseph Ellis. Kim graduated from Park College in 1961.

Kim served as a Communications Officer in the United States Navy aboard the USS Hank and the USS Talladega from 1962 to 1965, a highlight of which was deployment of his ship to the Cuban Missile Crisis. While stationed in California, Kim met the love of his life, Beth Howell. They were married in 1965 and moved to St. Louis where they started a family and Kim began a fruitful career in several capacities as a commercial/industrial real-estate appraiser.

Upon his retirement at age 70, Kim filled his time with family, model railroad trains, daily 5:30 am workouts, and several legendary home projects, including single-handedly building a 6ft x 20ft retaining wall, installing a cement sidewalk, and hand chopping countless cords of wood.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Kim will be remembered for his dedication to his family, love of his Atlanta home, and fond memories of his naval service.

Kim was preceded in death by his sister Joen Dian Bone, and is survived by his wife Beth Howell Ellis, his children Keira Ellis Camillo (Jay) and Kristin Ellis Norton de Matos (Lourenco); four grandchildren Emily Isolda Norton de Matos, Aiden Howell Camillo, Alexander Sidoti Camillo, and Georgia Elizabeth Norton de Matos.

A memorial service for Donne Kim Ellis will be held at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church (Sandy Springs, GA) on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:00am after which the family will receive friends in the Reception Room of the church. A private graveside service will be held at another date.

Arrangements have been made by H. M. Patterson & Son. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts be made to United Service Organizations www.uso.org, or to any worthy charity of choice.

His family is grateful that he now walks with the Lord. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6