Robert Edwin Ellis, Jr.
September 5, 1949 - February 16, 2022
Robert Edwin Ellis, Jr., age 72, of Monticello, passed away unexpectantly, Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at his home. He was born September 5, 1949, in Monticello, AR, to the late Robert Edwin Ellis, Sr. & Elizabeth Nelson Ellis.
Robert was a drum major for the Monticello High School Billies Marching Band and graduated with the class of 1967. He received a BA Degree in Music from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1985. He became Director of Choral Activities for the Mena School District & in 1987 the Mena Middle School elected him ''Coolest Teacher Around;'' they also recognized him for his outstanding dedication and service to the district. Robert was also choir director at Mena's First Baptist Church. Later, he worked as the Monticello School District's Director of the Alternative Learning Education School; he was honored as the Monticello School's Teacher of the Year for 30+ years of dedicated service in education, with 22 years in the Monticello Schools. He retired in 2016.
Robert was a gifted musician. Many lives, young & old, were enriched during his almost 50 years of private instruction in piano & various other instruments. He was organist for Monticello's First Baptist Church for a number of years & was currently using what he felt was his God-given talent as organist for Warren's First United Methodist Church. He also served his country in the Army National Guard & then in the Army Reserve where he was the Chaplain's Assistant.
He was preceded in death by his parents & an infant brother. Robert is survived by his wife of 48 years, Bonnie Gardner Ellis, of Monticello; his daughter, Beth Ellis, of Thornville, OH; his son, Robert (Rob) Edwin Ellis, III & wife Amanda & son Brayden, of Monticello; a sister, Edwina Ellis Louthan & husband, Duane, of Bartlesville, OK; grandchildren, Deryk Grosse & Morgan Grosse of Thornville, OH; nephews, Josh Louthan & wife Lindsey & Connor Louthan & wife Kati, all of Springfield, MO; a niece, Grace Louthan, of Bartlesville, OK; & his beloved cat, Patches.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 21, 2022, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Gary Harrison officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Monticello Music Club, c/o Frank Ferguson, 324 Bolling St. Monticello, AR 71655 or First United Methodist Church, for the benefit of adult music, 111 Church St., Warren, AR 71671. You can sign Robert's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
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