K5ZCF, Nevin Ellis, SK

Nevin W. Ellis - K5ZCF (SK)

BELLA VISTA, AR (10/7/2010) — Nevin W. Ellis, 96, of Bella Vista, Ark., died Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, at Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Ark. He was born on Feb. 9, 1914, in Richfield, Calif., to Ray and Retta Ellis.

His great love in life was music, especially trumpet, which he began playing at a young age. He played with bands in the Wonderland Cave several times and with the Bella Vista Big Band for many years. They performed at two Inaugural Balls for President Wm. Clinton, and for two Caribbean cruises. He also was a great solo player on the song, “Sugar Blues,” and wrote and performed the song “Good Night, Sweetheart.”

He also was a member of the Bella Vista Community Band and played “Taps” several times for them at several functions. He was a ham radio operator and bowled in leagues for many years. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista, Ark. He was a sweet, loving father and gentleman, and was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

He was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn Marie Ellis; his son, Wm. Nevin Ellis; and a brother, Francis G. Ellis.

He is survived by daughter, Barbara Ellis Phillips (Kenneth); and stepdaughter, Judy Kaufmann (Lou); three granddaughters; one grandson; two step-grandsons; one nephew; two nieces; and many other relatives.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Oct. 7, 2010, at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church, 20 Boyce Drive, Bella Vista, Ark., with the Rev. Sara Bainbridge officiating.

Burial will be at 3 p.m. on Friday at Memorial Park in Tulsa, Okla.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Music Fund, 20 Boyce Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72715.

Online condolence may be made at www.funeralmation.com.