Don Ellis

DON ELLIS

Cedar Rapids

Don G. Ellis, 80, of

Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, April 19, 2014. Visitation will be from 3 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at Teahen Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids. A private family graveside service will take place next to his Ellis Century Farm.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Mary Lou; children, Don C. (Valerie) Ellis of Solon, Gary (Denise) Ellis and Judy (Blaine) Worley of Cedar Rapids; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Heather) Ellis and Haley Ellis, Brett (Mandy) Ellis, Brittany (Rick) Kron and Tyler Ellis and Brock, Chad and Dane Worley; and three great-grandchildren, Lydia, Lana and Owen and one on the way in June.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Virginia Crissinger.

Don Ellis was born Feb. 26, 1934, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Clair and Frances Martin Ellis. He grew up on a family farm and graduated as the valedictorian from Toddville High School in 1952, where he lettered in baseball and basketball. At age 17, Don was one of the youngest bus drivers in the state, driving fellow classmates to school. Don then served his country in the U.S. Navy Reserves for eight years. He married the love of this life, Mary Lou Massingham on Aug. 6, 1952, on the nationally televised "Bride and Groom Show" in New York City. (Watch the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zKExlk0PWc)

Don was the credit manager at Grant Williams Fordtown for eight years and then executive vice president of People's Bank and Trust for 28 years, retiring in 1988. During his banking career, he was an active member of the American Banker's Association, Iowa Banker's Association and Robert Morris Associates. Don enjoyed customer relationships and relished in their successes. For many, he was People's Bank.

Don enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and all sports. A favorite hobby was entertaining on his pontoon boat on Lake Macbride since 1967. He was a board member of the Cedar Rapids Sports Club and served many years as a trustee of Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church, now known as Echo Hill. He dearly loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who described "Grandpa Don" as loving, caring, funny, kind and generous. Don was a devoted caregiver to his wife. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in his name to Echo Hill Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be left for the family at

www.teahenfuneralhome.

com.