Edwin Harlon Ellis
March 24, 1943 ~ July 15, 2024
Edwin Harlon Ellis, age 81, of Redtown, Texas, passed away on Monday, the 15th day of July 2024, and is now in the presence of our loving Lord and Savior. Mr. Ellis was born on the 24th day of March 1943, at home in Anderson County, Texas to parents Joe Earl Ellis and Fannie Lou Matthews. A member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church, Mr. Ellis's faith was a foundation of his life. He lived his beliefs through his actions, always willing to lend a hand or offer support to anyone in need. His involvement in the church community was a testament to his commitment to service and his desire to make a positive impact on those around him.
Before retiring, Mr. Ellis served as the superintendent at Palestine Contractors and Bob Mitchell, Inc., where his leadership and expertise ensured the successful completion of countless projects. His colleagues respected him for his integrity and commitment, and many became lifelong friends. Mr. Ellis's dedication to his work was matched only by his commitment to his community. As the president of the Trinity River Fishing Club, he brought together anglers of all ages, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and conservation. His love for the outdoors was infectious, and he was always ready to share his knowledge and passion with others.
Mr. Ellis's interests were a reflection of his love for life and people. He was happiest when he was helping others, whether by hosting barbecues for friends and family, where his laughter was as abundant as the food, or by teaching a young relative how to bait a hook. His garden was a place of pride, especially his corn, which grew tall and sweet under his careful tending. Hunting and fishing were not just hobbies for Mr. Ellis; they were opportunities to connect with nature and to share in the bounty of the earth with those he loved.
As we bid farewell to Edwin Harlon Ellis, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life filled with purpose, joy, and an abundance of love. His spirit will forever be a guiding light to all who had the pleasure of crossing his path.
Mr. Ellis is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Fannie Ellis; sisters, Edna Earl Minshew and Josie Owens; and brothers, Billy Joe Ellis, Johnny Ellis, and Franklin Ellis.
Mr. Ellis's journey on this earth may have concluded, but the impact of his life will resonate for generations to come. He leaves behind his daughter, Michelle Fogle and husband Kevin; stepdaughter, Karen Abbott; stepson, Kevin Abbott and wife Staci; and his grandchildren, Zachary Fogle, Kevin Reese Fogle, Jeffery Fogle, Ronnie Fogle, Jordan Barnett, Jarrett Barnett, and Lindsey Abbott, whom he loved dearly. Also left to cherish the memories are other family members and many friends.
Funeral services to celebrate Edwin Ellis's life are to be conducted at two o'clock in the afternoon, on Sunday the 21st day of July 2024 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 5630 FM 319, Elkhart, Texas. Bro. David Franklin will be officiating the service and interment will follow in Myrtle Springs Cemetery.
Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Curtis Starr, Greg Chapin, Kevin Abbott, Buster McCall, Matt Hays and Kerry Reynolds. Honorary pallbearers include Truman Starr, Bernie Dodd, Wendell Pierson, Gary Thomas, Jack Owens, Billy Jack Musick, and George Clarity.
Funeral services for Edwin Harlon Ellis are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
We kindly request that you take a moment to express your condolences and share any cherished memories you may have by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon below. Your words of comfort will undoubtedly bring solace to his bereaved family.
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Edwin was a man who loved His daughter and Family. He loved working with His dozer and was always smiling and enjoying laughing and cutting up. He was my late husband’s best friend and was Jinny’s Boss at Bob Mitchel. Jimmy Bob and George holloway loved going to the deer camp and had a lot of fun picking and Playing jokes on each other. Enjoy Heaven Edwin and tell all your Buddies hello for Me..
I knew Edwin for 68yrs . I was 7 and Edwin was 13 when he taught me how to hunt,,skin a catfish,ride a horse,run a trot line while he lived at the McCall farm.There is not enough computer megs to count the times he helped my Dad and myself : pull out stuck equipment,fix corals, feed cattle when my Dad was unable,repair my Dads 60yr old Case tractor, many many tires.. Edwin never hesitated to help when the McCalls called for help, no matter what hour of the night or day. My Dad has been gone for awhile but he thought Edwin hung the moon, We had to make Edwin charge us or he would never expect a dime.. I will miss Edwin he was a true friend of mine for all these decades The world has a lost true Character…he did it his way !
Edwin was my first cousin! My mother, Winnie Dale Matthews Bailey and his mother, Aunt Fannie Lou were sisters. She was dearly loved by us! I, like Edwin are the last in our families. I wasn’t around Edwin much due to age difference but my sister, Barbara and my mother loved him dearly. We loved all of Aunt Fannie Lou’s kids, especially Josie. The last I saw Edwin was at our Aunt’s funeral. I am very sorry for his children’s loss and he will be missed. Whenever I was around him I remember he made me laugh! My little brother’s middle name was Harlan. is also gone. I am truly sorry for his family! Rest in peace Edwin!
Edwin Ellis was a familiar face in our home growing up. My daddy and mother, Bob and Lula Matthews were his aunt and uncle. My parents loved Edwin as well as all the other Ellis children. Our thoughts and prayers are with his children and grandchildren in this difficult time, but we all know Edwin is in the arms of our heavenly father. He will be missed by all who knew him.
I remember he made the best catfish I ever had. Michelle my sympathies!
My daddy and mother, Bob and Lula Matthews loved and respected Edwin Ellis like a son. He always had a smile on his face and never met a stranger. We will all miss him, but he has crossed the golden gates and is in God’s hands now.
Bob Matthews was my daddy and Edwin Ellis was one of his favorite nephews. He always loved and respected Edwin like he was his son. His beautiful smile will always be with us. We will all miss him, but we know he has crossed over and is in God’s loving hands.
My sincere sympathy and condolences to Michelle and the entire family. Edwin was a family friend for almost my entire life and where Edwin was, that was where the fun, laughter and good food was!! He was also good at catching some large catfish. I was around when Michelle was born and I’ve never seen anyone more smitten as he was that day, and she remained to be his love and his reason for everything. We send our love and prayers and ask for God to hold you in his arms and give you each peace and comfort now and in the days to come. Edwin will be missed for sure..love you Michelle and just know you are in my thoughts and prayers always. God blessðŸ™ðŸ™â™¥ï¸
Hey was my grandmother’s brother.edna earl Ellis minshew was my grandmother.i am the son of her daughter Sandra hamby