T. R. Ellis

Turner Ruben Ellis, known as T.R., (or “Tough & Rough” as he was fond of saying) was born November 8, 1927 in Webbers Falls, OK, the Son of Olen and Ruth (Harwell) Ellis. T.R. married Edna Manes in November of 1951, raised a family with her and after 41 years of marriage, they kept a very close friendship for the remainder of her life. T.R. later married Joan (Wynn) Ellis on December 28, 1992. They maintained a loving marriage until he passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, October 25, 2019, at Saint Francis – Tulsa, with Joan by his side. T.R. was preceded in death by ex-wife, Edna Ellis, a son, Sidney Dan Ellis, a stepson, Doug Wynn, two brothers, Eddie and Elmo Ellis, two sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Ortha Ellis, a grandson, Cody Cookson, and a great-great granddaughter, Sophia Dee Bass. Left to cherish his memory are wife Joan Ellis, son Allen Ellis and wife Marsha; daughter-in-law Diane Ellis; daughter Brenda Bolding and husband Mark; son Brian Ellis and wife Elise, all of Muskogee; stepsons Greg Wynn and Kenny Wynn; ten grandchildren, Jennifer Barnoskie, Traci Bass and husband Jason, Staci Hoffman and husband Kelly, Amy Stairs, Matthew Ellis and wife Amber, Danny Bolding and wife Kelly, Kaci Ellis, Samantha Bolding, Ever Ellis, Evan Ellis and, sixteen great-grandchildren; Two brothers; George Ellis of Texas, and David Ellis and wife Pat of California; Along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, whom he also loved greatly. T.R. grew up working alongside his family on their farm, while developing a strong work ethic, which stuck with him throughout his life. He was very enterprising and never afraid to take a risk. He left home at sixteen to join the Merchant Marines, serving in the Pacific during WWII. T.R. was always self-employed, spending his early adult life farming and then later moving into the trucking industry. He also had a great love for his country, often expressing the great beauty he observed while traveling through most every state in the U.S. He could be stubborn (which is a given when you are an Ellis) but he truly had a heart of gold and was incredibly generous – especially to those in need. Despite his stubbornness, he was quick to forgive and never held a grudge. He had a deep and abiding love for all of his Family, so much so that expression of his love often brought him to tears. T.R. was always an avid reader of the Holy Bible, reading it in its entirety numerous times throughout his life. He had a profound love and respect for God, and took great pride in being a Christian. A family conducted memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday October 29, 2019, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Bishop Chris Emler officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Fort Gibson National Cemetery.

T. R. Ellis

November 8, 1927 - October 25, 2019