Donald Ellington

Donald Lamont Ellington, Sr was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Bessie & George Elmer Ellington on January 17, 1951. Donald (Donnie) attended the local Omaha Public schools beginning with Howard Kennedy, Horace Mann Junior High, Sacred Heart and graduating from Dominican High School in 1969. He went on to further his education at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska.

After attending Peru State College, He enlisted in the United States Air Force as a cable specialist. Don served at various bases with his last tour being in Fairbanks, Alaska. While serving in the military, Don and other service members would shoot dice for extra money and that was a past time he continued after his time in the service. He received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1972, after his tour came to a close in Fairbanks. 

Don developed a penchant for magnificently decked out automobiles which was passed on to his sons. His favorite was a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle that had the oversized tires and a bright orange color. 

For a time after his service in the Air Force, Don was employed by Western Electric as a cable specialist. He also had a penchant for expertly pressed slacks, again, this was passed on to his sons. That crease had to be "just right"! Don always quoted Proverbs 3:6 "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy path" taught to him by his mother Bessie. He was also known by people as a caring person and a friend for life. To know Don was to love him! 

Donald Lamont was preceded in death by sisters, Johnetta Quintella Ellington; Tonya Louise Ellington. Son, Johnny Jerome Smith; Grandson, Chase Alec Téyler Jones and great-granddaughter, Zavara Destiny Taylor. Lastly, his beloved parents, Bessie & George Ellington. 

He leaves to cherish memories, sons Donald Lamont Ellington Jr. (Latoya Kay); Damon Darnell Ellington (Chiffon Michelle). Daughters, Johnnetta Griffin; Ashley Davis (Edward Davis Sr). Brother Steven K Ellington (Gia Lakay). Sisters, Blendia Denise Ellington; Lysa Anne Turner. A host of grandchildren: Donald Lamont Ellington III (Jemilla); Shikola Ashby; JaChaun Taylor; Myles Jones; Adelynn Ellington; Memphis Ellington; twins Carnetta Griffin & Carletta Griffin; Carl Griffin Jr; Yahmiah Thompson; DuPree Davis; Shaunta Shameka Rankins. Great-grandchildren: Aubriana Jennings, Loyalty Ellington and Kyrin Soto. And a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, & special friend, Sherrie Coleman.