Donald Eugene Ellison, 56
Funeral services for Donald Eugene (Don) Ellison, 56, of Caulfield, were held Dec. 15, 2025, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. Burial was at Baptist Hill Cemetery.
He died Dec. 6 in Ogallala, Nebraska, leaving behind a tremendous void in the hearts of all who loved him. He was born on Nov. 29, 1969, in West Plains, to Donald Gene and Georgia (Marshall) Ellison.
Known as "Uncle Donnie" or "Uncle Noonie," Don had a heart of pure gold. He was the kind of man who showed up—no matter the time, the need or the circumstance. For those who knew him, simply seeing Don brought comfort and reassurance. His sisters especially knew that their older brother would always protect, guide and steady them through life’s trials. He was, in every sense, the rock of his family.
Though he didn’t always get to do it as often as he wished, Don deeply loved farming, hunting and fishing. Family members and friends alike carry countless memories of sharing the woods, the water and the fields with him. Don also possessed an incredible work ethic, known for saying, “Tell me what you need, and I will make it happen.” He lived that promise every day. Over the years, he worked for Danny Ledbetter, spent several years with Wal-Mart and later found his place on the road as a truck driver.
A simple man in the best way, Don knew and loved the Lord. He studied his Bible faithfully and never hesitated to share a story, offer insight, or brighten someone’s day with his humor and warmth.
Don is survived by his mother, Georgia Ellison of Caulfield; his sisters, Danita Wolf and husband Rex of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, and Melinda Ellison-Perkins and husband Lonie of Battlefield; nieces Brandie Joice of Salem, Arkansas, Katherine Neer and husband Franklin of Manila, Arkansas, and Cassidy Ellison of Battlefield; great-niece Shyenne Wolf of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas; great-nephew Jonathan Roberts and great-niece Makenzie Roberts of Salem, Arkansas; and many cousins, especially Kenneth, Keith and Kevin Kuk. He is also survived by Uncle Wayne and Aunt Silena Marshall of Ivy Bend, Aunt Marie Marshall of Tupelo, Oklahoma, and Uncle Dennis and Aunt Laura of West Plains.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Gene Ellison; grandparents Janell and Carl Marshall and Sherman and Ruth Ellison; aunts Lyndall Kuk, Teri Ellison and Roselee Burr; uncles Alfred Marshall, Dale Marshall, Jim Kuk and Clay Burr; and great-nephew Samuel and great-nieces Brittany and Stacy.
To honor Don’s life and legacy, his family asks that you spend time with the ones you love—go hunting, go fishing and spend time with the Lord. As the only other man who ever made them think of Ogallala, Nebraska, once said, “It’s not dyin’ I’m talkin’ about, it’s livin’.” Don lived well. He loved deeply. And he will be missed beyond measure.
Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Hill Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri. Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com.