Richard Allan Ellis

Richard Allan Ellis, 74, of Waco passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A graveside Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 11:00am at Waco Memorial Park with Pastor Scott Sutton officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00am to 11:00am in the Waco Memorial Funeral Home chapel. Food and fellowship will follow in the funeral home’s Reception Center.

Richard was born on June 16, 1950, in Waco, Texas to parents Bettie Jean Taylor Ellis and Cecil Ellis, Sr. He graduated from Richfield High School, Class of 1968, then went on to attend Texas State University.

Richard met the love of his life at Richfield High. A young girl by the name of Janetta Branscome invited him to a Sadie Hawkins Dance and the rest was history. They married on May 30,1970, and were together 50 years.

Richard, along with his brothers started their own contracting company and were very successful. When Janetta became ill Richard retired and spent his time caring for her until her passing in 2020. Richard alongside his brother, Cecil Jr. also owned Poodie’s Hilltop Bar and Grill in Spicewood until Cecil’s passing.

Richard and Janetta raised 5 girls (2 sets of twins). He loved his daughters and was a great dad, but he adored his 7 grandchildren and was an amazing grandfather. He was a hard worker, spending much of his time on the job to provide for his family. He was a straight shooter, you always knew where you stood with him; direct but kind.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Janetta; and his brother, Cecil Ellis, Jr.

He is survived by his children, Heather Ellis, Tiffany Ellis Saulters and husband Jason, Lyndsey Ellis Sutton and husband, Scott, Jordan Ellis Notgrass and husband, Keith, and GinnyLee Ellis; his brothers, Kent Ellis and Brooks Ellis; grandchildren, Luke Saulters, Ethan Notgrass, Ella Sutton, Livi Sutton, Henry Sutton, Haddie Sutton, and Ruthie Sutton as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard’s wife Janetta had many passions, one of those being the welfare of animals. To honor his deep love for her, if desired, in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Fuzzy Friends, https://fuzzyfriendsrescue.com/ or to the Humane Society of Central Texas, https://www.humanesocietycentraltexas.org/