Cardale Lamont Ellis

Sunrise: December 26, 1972

Sunset: July 8, 2026

"His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure. He was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure."

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 5:36, God gently called His servant, Cardale Lamont Ellis, home to eternal rest. Although our hearts are broken, we are comforted knowing that his love, kindness, and beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Cardale was born on December 26, 1972, in Sikeston, Mo, to Eddie Jean Ellis and the late Willie James Ellis Sr. He was the fifth of six children and was blessed with a life filled with family, friendship, and purpose. He believed in working hard, loving deeply, and helping others without expecting anything in return.

Cardale graduated from Sikeston High School in 1991. After completing Job Corps, he pursued a career in the skilled trades, specializing in carpentry and electrical work. He worked for Hedrick Concrete, DeWitt Warehouse Company, and ServiceMaster, all located in Sikeston, Missouri.

In 1993, Cardale and Patricia Ellis moved to Hannibal, Missouri. In 1998, Cardale and Patricia were united in marriage. A hardworking and dedicated man, Cardale spent many years as a maintenance worker at Hannibal-LaGrange College before continuing his career maintaining apartment communities, such as Hannibal Housing and Holeman Apartments throughout Hannibal, Missouri. He took great pride in his work and believed that if something was broken, it was meant to be fixed. Whether repairing a home, lending a helping hand, or teaching someone how to use a tool, Cardale gave his very best. He didn't just fix things-he made lives a little easier for everyone around him.

While Cardale was known for his strong work ethic, nothing meant more to him than his family. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life and his greatest accomplishment. He loved each of them unconditionally and found joy in every visit, every laugh, every conversation, and every milestone they shared. He was a proud father and an even prouder grandfather whose love knew no limits.

Cardale never met a stranger. He had a heart that welcomed everyone and a spirit that made people feel at home. He was the kind of man who would stop whatever he was doing to help someone in need. His warm smile, gentle heart, quiet strength, and sense of humor could brighten even the darkest day. His presence filled every room with love, laughter, and peace, and those moments will forever be treasured by those who loved him.

In his free time, Cardale was happiest with a tool in his hand. Whether he was fixing something around the house, working on a project, or helping a friend or neighbor, he found joy in using the gifts God had given him. He lived a simple life but left behind an extraordinary legacy of love, service, humility, and faithfulness.

Cardale leaves to forever cherish his precious memory his loving wife, Patricia Strickland Ellis of Hannibal, Mo, his loving mother Eddie Jean Ellis of Sikeston, Mo; his four beloved children, Octavia Larise Smith, Shanice La'Shai Strickland, Montell Lee Strickland, and Markell Lamont Strickland, all of Hannibal, Mo; and his treasured grandchildren, Braison Buckley, Adonis Burnley, Ahlyric King, Ava King, Amealyiah Bates, and Kemon Hicks all of Hannibal, Mo.

He is also survived by his devoted sister, Rosemary Ellis of Sikeston, Mo; his brothers, Willie (Devonna) Ellis Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Robert Lee Ellis of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Patrick (Tracy) Ellis of Sikeston, Missouri; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends, coworkers, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his father, Willie James Ellis, Sr.; his paternal grandparents, Viola Honey Ellis and James Wilson; and his maternal grandparents, Ed and Eula Bell; his sister Minnie Ellis.

Today, we celebrate a life well lived. Though our hearts ache because we will miss his smile, his voice, and the comfort of his presence, we are forever grateful that God allowed us to love and be loved by Cardale. His lessons of hard work, compassion, humility, and unconditional love will continue through the lives of his children, grandchildren, family, and everyone blessed to know him.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Friday, July 17, 2026, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO.

A second Visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Nunnelee Funeral Home in Sikeston, MO.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Sikeston, MO.

Pallbearers will be Stacey Strickland, Earnest Strickland Jr., Patrick Maxwell, Patrick Ellis, Robert Lee Ellis, and Willie Ellis Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Markell Strickland, Montell Strickland, Domonic Ellis, Perry Ellis, Derrick Ellis, and Scott Maxwell.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Please make checks payable to Patricia Ellis.

Sleep peacefully, Cardale. Your work here is done. Thank you for every sacrifice, every lesson, every laugh, every hug, and every act of love. You will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will live on for generations to come.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord."

Matthew 25:23

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.JamesODonnellFuneralHome.com.

Fond memories and expression of sympathy may also be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com