William Darrell Ellis, 87, of Brownfield, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. Born on November 25, 1938, in Lubbock, Texas, to T Ellis and Leta Mae Cook, Darrell graduated from Monterey High School and attended Lubbock Christian University. On July 1, 1961, he married Joyce Beth Messenger, and together they shared 64 years of marriage and raised two children.
Darrell served in the 101st Airborne Division, known as the Screaming Eagles. He began his career delivering milk for Bell Milk in Brownfield before becoming a farmer, a vocation he pursued with dedication for 42 years. In retirement, he found joy in woodworking, earning several awards for his crafts at local fairs. He also created wooden walking ducks for fundraisers benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, helping send children to MDA camps through his generous spirit.
Known for his warm and outgoing nature, Darrell never met a stranger. He visited many in the Brownfield community and was always inviting others to join him and Joyce at First Baptist Church, where they were faithful members for more than 62 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Beth Messenger of Brownfield; son, Todd Ellis and wife Lisa of Seminole; daughter, Kelly Ellett and husband Chris of Brownwood; granddaughter Kristin Gardner of Arlington; granddaughter Chyanne Ellett of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; grandson Landon Ellis of Granby, Colorado; and great-grandson Carsyn Gardner of Arlington. He was preceded in death by his parents, T and Leta Ellis; brother, Ronald Ellis; and sister, Barbara T Carter.
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