Donald Louis Ellis

Donald Louis Ellis was born on March 30, 1949 to the late Willie and Sarah Ellis of Houston, Texas. He was born at Hermann Hospital, the second of four children. His early education began at Prairie View Training School where his father was the fire chief for Prairie View, Texas. Upon his family's return to the Houston area, he continued his early education at Sunnyside Elementary and Crispus Attucks Junior High. He graduated from Evan E. Worthing High School in the class of 1967. After high school graduation, Donald entered the United States Marine Corps. He served one tour during the Vietnam War as a machine gunner. Donald was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and riffle marks. He received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 1969. His first job after his service in the military was working with his oldest brother and uncle at Shefield Steel as an arm worker. A few years later, he entered the Houston Police Academy where he affectionately became known as "Duck" Ellis, a childhood nickname that became his signature. Donald Ellis served as a Houston Police Officer from 1978 until his retirement in August 2005. During a portion of his service as an officer, he was a member of the K9 unit. While retired, Donald enjoyed fishing, deer hunting season, tending to his cattle, and playing with his grandchildren who called him "Papa Duck" and "Papa". Donald was called home on December 8, 2014 at Houston Methodist Hospital (Medical Center) due to medical complications. Although his death was sudden, his memories still live in our hearts. He was a loved man and will be dearly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Sarah Ellis; his sister, Beverly Ellis. He is survived by his pride and joy, his children; daughters - Chante' Ellis and Elaine White; son in-law Andre' White; sons - Chris Ellis and Stephen Ellis; stepdaughter Sharri Sims; granddaughters - Ariana White and Isabella Ellis; grandson - Austin White; brother Willie Ellis, Jr.; sister Paulette Ellis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.