Ellis Robertson

Ellis Lathair Robertson, son of the late Oren and Lena Faye (Martin) Robertson, was born August 10, 1926, in Wright County, Missouri, and departed this life February 3, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 99 years, 5 months, and 24 days.

Ellis grew up in Wright County on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. He attended school through the 8th grade at Luallin, a one-room schoolhouse situated on land that, in a full-circle moment, he would later come to own.

On July 21, 1950, following a whirlwind courtship, Ellis was united in marriage to Wilma Deckard. Together they built a life in the Grovespring area, centered around faith, farming, and family. To this union, five children were born.

Ellis believed that a man’s purpose was to provide for and protect his family, a conviction he lived out daily. He and Wilma spent much of their lives farming, milking dairy cows, and raising beef cattle. In addition to running the farm, Ellis drove a milk truck, worked for MFA hauling feed, and was a school bus driver. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling with his family. He also loved to play music, but for Ellis his primary focus was providing for his family; a job that he took very seriously.

Ellis made a profession of faith in Christ at a young age and was a longtime member of Elk Creek Baptist Church. Ellis was a very kind person and worked hard all of his life. He was good to people and was liked by all that knew him, especially kids.

Ellis was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Robertson, one infant child, Carol Deanne, his parents, Oren and Lena Faye Robertson, two brothers, Gerald and Dale Robertson, and one sister, Avis Garner.

Ellis is survived by his three sons, Rick Robertson, Larry Robertson and wife, Carolyn, and Brett Robertson, all of Grovespring, Missouri, one daughter, Tammy Justice, of Grovespring, Missouri, three brothers, Lloyd Robertson, Loman Robertson, and Newell Robertson, one sister, Ferrell Jordan, five grandchildren, Chris, Mindy, Emily, Shawna, and Seth, 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild with one more on the way, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Ellis was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Memorial contributions can be made to Durbin Cemetery in care of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be dropped off in person at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Hartville or mailed to: P.O. Box 236, Hartville, MO 65667.