Cecil Ellis

Cecil D.Ellis, of Belton passed away on February 1, 2019 at his home at the age of 94.

Harper-Talasek Funeral Home will be handling services for Cecil in Belton on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 with a grave side service at North Belton Cemetery, visitation begins at 1pm and funeral begins at 2pm.

He was born in Bastrop County on July 9, 1924 to Charlie and Mary Lee Watson Ellis. He married Wanie Ray of Rogers, Tx on February 18, 1956 in Austin, Tx. He worked for Binswanger Glass Company in Austin. They moved to Tyler, Tx where he worked for Tyler Mirror and Glass Company. In 1964 they moved to Belton where Cecil opened his own Glass Company - Ellis Glass and Mirror. His part time job was what he enjoyed the most. In 1947 Cecil started his Rodeo Clown and Bullfighting career with the Buck and Tommy Steiner Rodeo Company of Austin, Tx. He worked for the Steiner's until 1952. In 1953 he started clowning for Duke Gibbs - Triangle Bull Rodeo Company until 1957. Cecil clowned the Belton 4th of July Rodeo for 3 years. His last show in Belton was in 1955. From 1956 to 1961 he clowned a number of Rodeos in Texas and other states. A few of the towns in Texas were Austin, Taylor, Georgetown, Belton and Temple - 30 different rodeos and towns across Texas. Other states included Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, New Mexico, Idaho, Tennessee, Virginia and New Jersey. He retired from clowning and bullfighting in 1961 - his last show was Bloomingdale, New Jersey.

Cecil was proceeded in death by his parents, his daughter Tina Ellis, one sister Gerry Buck, three brothers: Robbie, Melvin, & Lawrence and his clown mule Ole Red. Cecil really enjoyed the 4th of July Bar-B-Q's he hosted on the river for the past several years. He looked forward to seeing his rodeo buddies and his many friends who attended this event each year.

Cecil is survived by his wife Wanie of 63 years, Son Cecil Ray ‘Fuzz' and Becky of Belton, 7 grandchildren: John and Skyler Ellis of Lubbock, Richard and Megan Ellis of Belton, Jenna and Scott Stephens of Belton and Evan Ellis of College Station. He loved his 3 great-grandchildren Riot, Nixon and River. Cecil had an extended family that were very dear to him. Maria and Olivo, Lucy and Angel, Janie and Reno all of Belton, Blossom, Mary, Rosa, Lupe and Arturo (all caregivers for his daughter, Tina). Cecil embraced the following as his own grandchildren: Nancy Maria, Janette, Isaias, Angela, Jasmin, Samantha, and Joshua.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame: PO Box 9128 Austin, Tx 78766.

Visitation

North Belton Cemetery
Belton, TX  76513
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
1 pm

Service

Graveside Services

North Belton Cemetery
Belton, TX  76513
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
2 pm

Cemetery

North Belton Cemetery
Belton, TX  76513

Memorial Contributions

Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame
P.O. Box 9128
Austin, TX  78766