Robert Otis "Bob" Ellison

Robert Otis Ellison of Eagle Rock, Missouri was born February 10, 1937, in Emerson, Iowa to Ernest Ewing and Waive Catherine (Farrington-Cox) Ellison, number seven of nine children. Bob passed away on February 15, 2023, in Rogers, Arkansas at the age of 86.
On November 27, 1981, he was united in marriage to Rita Mae DeFaut-Chisholm who preceded him in death. Bob is survived by a large, loving family including his son Bobby Ellison and wife Patti of Eagle Rock, MO; granddaughter Christy Ellison-Thurman of Berryville, AR; stepson Mike Chisholm and wife Terrie of Bentonville, AR; stepson Steve Chisholm and girlfriend, Leslie Fenenbock of Seligman, MO, daughter-in-law Everlyn Chisholm of Seligman, MO, brother Emery Ellison of Springfield, MO; thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family, dear friend Imelda Flores; stepdaughter Jan Montgomery of Seligman, MO, stepson John Chisholm of Wheaton, MO; along with many other friends and his beloved cat Tripod who had him well trained to how she likes her food or her fur brushed.
Bob enjoyed traveling, dancing (especially to Latin music), fishing, building, and creating anything. He always had a "project" going. Bob could make anything that he imagined. It could be construction, painting, woodworking, engineering, crafting, or sewing. You name it, he could do it. He also loved being able to work around the property on "Henry," his 1947 Ford Tractor that he so proudly kept running. For many years, most weekends and many summer days were spent at "Fish Camp" on Grand Lake, Oklahoma with Bob's family and friends. Camping, fishing, boating, noodling for catfish, pranks, and general shenanigans made for happy memories too numerous to count.
In early years, Bob ran a milk truck, worked construction, and had a flourishing upholstery business in Joplin & Cassville, MO. He and Rita also owned several apartment buildings in Cassville, which they built and ran together. They later sold their businesses and home to become full-time RVers. They traveled for many wonderful years before settling down the last 4.5 years in Eagle Rock. Bob and Rita made many friends that became like a second family in Raymondville, Texas where they spent many winters. They traveled from one coast to the other, and from Canada to Mexico-which happened to be their favorite. Some of his happiest memories were in Mexico dancing, listening to music, sightseeing, eating, and enjoying a margarita.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Waive (Farrington-Cox) Ellison; daughter Tammy Ellison; granddaughter Candice Joy (Wesson) Cooper; brothers Merle Cox, William Cox, Richard Ellison, Wayne Ellison, Kenneth Ellison, Ernest Ellison Jr; sisters Thelma Ellison and Margaret "Marge" (Ellison) McCully-Houston.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donation may be made to Hospice Compassus, 845 Hwy 60, Ste A, Monett, MO 65708. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2023.
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