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Daniel Douglas Ellis, 60, of Kingston, earned his freedom wings and finished his race on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. He is singing with the angels in his perfected body. Danny was born Tuesday, October 13, 1959, in Lubbock, Texas. This is where the adventure began. A few short months after being born, he was placed for adoption at the Lubbock Children's Home in Lubbock, Texas; and God made a special delivery of Danny Boy, to his sweet, godly, loving parents, JD and Mattie Lou Ellis. After a short time of fostering and then an answer to many prayers, he was theirs. He was the third blessing they received through the gift of adoption. He had two older siblings waiting on him, brother, Rodney, and sister, Pam. Danny found out at an early age he had a deep love and passion for music, especially classical/opera. He had blonde curly hair, crystal blue eyes, a beautiful infectious smile, and a tenor voice that would bring tears to your eyes, warm your heart, make you beg for more, and put a huge smile to your face. The only moments when he was not singing, or humming was when he was sleeping or eating, and sometimes even then! He loved being on the farm with his father, tinkering, running cows, piddling in the barn, driving the tractor, picking cotton, fishing, and anything that his dad would let him do, and a few things he did without permission: such as washing his hands in the kitchen and drying them on the curtains. He loved sports and ran track and still holds some records. He played the drums, organ, and picked at the piano. Danny was a competition skier (he had no fear), loved horses, West Texas, and just life in general. He lived LARGE. But his first love has always been the Lord, being a light and servant to anyone that he meets. Even though he was a very talented and an amazing trained opera Singer/performer he never liked being in the limelight. He didn't have a clue how smart, talented, and amazing he was, and he didn't care. He was extremely humble and always wanted God to get the glory. It gave him joy to see others shine and succeed and wanted to be a part of making someone better today than they were yesterday. He was sweet, genuine, caring, crazy, talented, smart, down to earth, compassionate, encouraging, fun, loving, kindhearted, always looking for the good, supportive, non-judgmental, and a truth seeker with his whole heart. Danny married Lisa Young Hogan in Plainview, Texas, on August 25, 2005; at the farm he grew up on and where they had spent a childhood together. Their parents were friends before they were born, and their mothers were best friends. Lisa loved Danny since she first knew him, and they came back together 30 years after seeing each other last in 1977. They were married just 14 short years, but what a wonderful adventure they had. He was the best hog hunting and kayaking partner, and human life-mate, his wife ever wanted or could have. They never did anything normal, had amazing laughs, and didn't conform to anything, marching to the beat of their own drum that God created for them. They had friends, but just preferred being together and were inseparable. He was Lisa's Tenor, her Music Man, her angel, and her life. Danny always made a positive impact wherever he went, without even knowing the influence he was having. This sweet soul was always thinking about others and always looking for ways to serve and make someone's life better. He loved teaching and sharing his love, talent and knowledge of music with his students. He had finally found his place, and he loved the staff and students at the Kingston School, where he had been teaching since August 2019. He was so happy and content, and others could see and feel his pure joy. He was even teaching band, that's a true miracle, and he loved it! So many days he would come home and say, "I don't like chilrens" with a huge smile on his face and went to work on lesson plans for the next day. His students gave him such satisfaction because he wanted to make a difference. He was always having fun with them, and they were still learning. They gave him purpose and meaning and a way to share God's love through sharing his talents and gifts he was given. Only a few knew of the demons Danny Boy fought all his life and he struggled with depression from a very young age, bless his precious soul. He trusted God so much that no one knew, and he let his light shine even when he was dark inside. God uses those most broken, just read your Bible. Danny was one of those messengers! It would have broken his heart to think he had a negative impact on someone. His wish would be for everyone to always exhibit the unconditional love of the Lord, be kind to someone, make someone's day by giving them a smile or a hug, or be a shoulder to lean on. He wanted to live his life to help others live better and be filled with the joy of the Lord in our temporary earthly home. He loved all from the bottom of his heart. He would want us to celebrate God, have hope and faith in our heavenly Father and know we are just passing through this world on to our real home in heaven, to meet up with him again. Pay it forward and make a positive difference in this world while we are passing through. LOVE the pieces of everyone unconditionally. If you didn't know him, you missed a true blessing! Danny joined his parents, his Gogga and Grandad, and many others he loved on his joyful journey to his true forever happy place, way too soon. They welcomed him with open arms, and he is singing and smiling bigger than he ever has, he is whole again. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Ellis of the home; and two sons, Daniel Ellis of New Mexico; and James Ellis of Colorado; whom he shared with their mom, D'dee Ellis of Texas. He loved his boys with all his heart. He would say of Daniel, "That's my boy, the nuclear nerd", he was so proud. Danny is also survived by two stepchildren that he loved like his own, Garrett Hogan of Georgia; and Holley Hogan of Tennessee. He knew no boundaries on love. He is also survived by his brother, Rodney Ellis of Australia; his sister, Pam Hull of Hale Center, Texas; his father-in-law, Dick Young, who loved Danny as the son he never had, and many special friends, special students, and relatives. Services are being planned for Kingston Schools and Plainview at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation in Danny's name to The Children's Home of Lubbock, PO Box 2824, Lubbock, Texas, 79408; or the Music Program at Kingston Schools, P.O. Box 149, Kingston, AR 72742. He had big plans for those kids, let's keep them going for generations to come. Cremation is entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.

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Daniel Ellis

October 13, 1959 - February 4, 2020