Keldon "Papa" Ellis

Keldon “Papa” Ellis, with lungs that expand all the way to heaven, joined the arms of Jesus, after a long battle with COPD, on the morning of Saturday, January 22, 2022 in McLean TX.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Pastor Jim Sinyard of the Carpenter’s Church, officiating. Entombment will follow at Memory Gardens Mausoleum under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Family will receive friends at Rita’s home, 1600 N. Dwight St., throughout the day on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

On July 8, 1949, at the Worley Hospital in Pampa, Ernest and Velda Ellis, along with a whole tribe of siblings, welcomed Keldon and his twin brother, Weldon into the world. Keldon attended Pampa schools up until his freshman year, where he chose to obtain his GED, so he could begin working. After falsely giving his age, he started his career in the oilfield industry at 16 years old. Soon after his career began, he met the love of his life, Rita Meathenia, on the downtown drag, where he again, falsely gave his age, just in case Rita thought he was too old. She fell for his wit and “bad boy” demeanor, and the two joined hands in marriage on March 20, 1968. Together they shared 53 years of marriage. Their selfless love for each other in their marriage has set high standards for those who are left behind. On November 8, 1968, they brought their first-born daughter into the world, Deborah Jean Ellis. A few years later, on July 2, 1970, they welcomed their son, Richard Dwayne Ellis into the world. In 1976, Keldon’s profession grew into a life-long journey with Cabot Corporation, where he served 35 years. He was proud of his career, and even more so when his son, grandson, and granddaughter carried on his tradition there. There was never a get together where he didn’t reminisce with them about the mischief that he caused. It was stated that him and a close friend, Gail Everson, who beat him to Heaven, are up there giving Jesus gray hair. He was a pioneer with computers and an avid stock market trader. Anyone that knew Keldon knew what his family meant to him. He was always there for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and even enemies, if ever he had any. He was the most giving person, whether he was giving someone a hard time, or giving them his last dime, he gave. He donated to many foundations including St. Jude’s, Wounded Warriors, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and many other numerous foundations. Everyone that knew Keldon, knew that he was a devoted man of politics, and President Trump’s #1 supporter. When God molded Keldon, he sculpted the best husband, father, and papa the world would ever know. Keldon was a member of Carpenter’s Church and was a devoted man in Christ.

He was greeted into heaven with open arms by his parents, Ernest F. Ellis and Velda Ellis; his twin sisters, Ann Ellis-Hulsey and Jan Ellis-Wood, older sister, Stacey Ellis-Stubbs; a brother, Stephen F. Ellis; his father and mother-in-law, L.A. and Viola Meathenia; sister-in-law, Mary Coombes; brother-in-law, Roy Taylor; one niece; and five nephews.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Ellis of the home; daughter, Debbie Ellis of the home; son, Richard Ellis and wife Stephannie of McLean; five grandchildren, Kristin Lymburner and husband Phillip, Lyndsey Bivins and husband Jerrod, Lisa Taylor, Dylan Ellis and wife Shiann, and McKenzie Ellis; six great-grandchildren, Gracie Taylor, Brenli Bivins, Paisley Johnson, Raynee Taylor, Mason Douglas, and Jacklynn Ellis; three sisters, Kathy Taylor of Rogers, New Mexico, Alinet Ellis-Oxley and husband Kelly of Pampa, and Marsha Ellis-Lermon and husband Mike of Houston; three brothers, Kedron Ellis of Portland, Oregon, Weldon Ellis and wife Brenda of New Braunfels, and David Ellis and wife Olga of Amarillo; nephew, Terry Coombes and wife Sandra; brother-in-law, Eugene Stubbs; and numerous other relatives.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to McLean Care Center and staff. Additionally, a special angel, LaShonda Whittington and the ICU staff at Pampa Regional Medical Center.

Donations may be made to the Texas Panhandle Behavioral & Development Center, 615 W Buckler Ave, Pampa, TX, 79065 or the Carpenter’s Church, P.O. Box 1476 Pampa, TX, 79066-1476.

Please sign the online register at www.carmichael-whatley.com.