Robert F. Ellis, 79, of Mexico, formerly of Laddonia, passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, due to a bacterial infection.

Memorial Services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, at Arnold Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow in Laddonia Cemetery.

Visitation is Saturday, August 28, from 1 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Robert was born on December 3, 1941 in Clinton, Missouri, the son of Francis O. and Elsie (Dyche) Ellis. On August 2, 1965 in Laddonia, he married Judy Webber.

Mr. Ellis was a 1959 graduate of Community R-6 High School. In 1963, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam and obtaining the rank of Sergeant.

Bob was a farmer for a number of years and operated a chemical application business with several employees. Most of his career, he worked as an electrician at North American Refractories in Farber. After the closing of the plant, he transferred to Harbison-Walker in Fulton, retiring in 2007.

Mr. Ellis had been a member of the Laddonia Jaycees, Laddonia IOOF Lodge and the Arthur Hills Golf Course Board. He was also a Christian by faith.

Bob was a gifted athlete and fan of many sports. His first love was pitching softball and baseball. As a young boy, he secured the role of pitcher in the fast-pitch games on the school playground. He excelled in this role with his superb control. He then transferred his pitching skill to high school baseball, becoming the first player to pitch a no-hitter at Community R-6. Bob returned to fast-pitch softball as a young adult on the Laddonia men's team. He played in many Fourth of July tournaments over the years. Later in life, Bob became an avid golfer with the same competitive nature. He could remember every pitch and every golf stroke to examine later.

Bob loved watching talented teams in the area but especially the sports played by his grandchildren. He could be found at all their games. In recent years, Bob and Judy became permanent fixtures at Community R-6 ballgames. They were dubbed "Super Fans" by the Community R-6 teams because of their loyalty.

Survivors include his wife, Judy Ellis of the home; three children, Paula (Jonathan) Hoer of Columbia, Peggy (Shawn) Belt of Tebbetts and Brent Ellis of Mexico; four grandchildren, Adam Hoer (Megan Schaffer) of Columbia, Daniel Hoer of St. Louis, Abigail Hoer of Columbia and Rheanna Belt of Tebbetts; brother-in-law, Richard (Gaytha) Webber of Laddonia; sister-in-law, Earlene McCord of Mexico; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Ellis was preceded in death by one brother, William Ellis; one sister, Norma Ellis; and a brother-in-law, John McCord.

Memorial donations may be made to the Community R-6 Athletic Program. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.