Robert L. “Duke” Ellington

Oct 25, 2017 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2017 | 3 comments

On Oct. 16, 2017 Robert Leon (Duke) Ellington was called home. Robert Ellington was born in Sabetha, Kansas on July 28, 1927 to James and Mabel Ellington. He attended Sabetha schools and graduated in 1946 from Sabetha High School. On May 15, 1948 he married Fannie Louise Hopkins of Kansas City, Missouri. In 1951, Robert was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Korean War. Returning home, he then worked for the United States Postal Service where he retired as a supervisor. Robert also worked as a security guard for Wackenhut for many years and also served in the National Guards. Robert loved football and was a diehard Kansas City Chief fan.

Preceded in death by his parents James (1989) and Mabel (1991) Ellington; brother James Ellington Jr. (2004). Robert will forever be loved by those he leaves behind. His wife of 69 years, Louise Ellington, four sisters Reba Hall of Overland Parks, KS; Phyllis Gamble of Hiawatha, KS, Shirley Murphy of Tularosa, NM, Cheryl (Nate) McBride of Vallejo, CA and an Aunt, Gaynelle Smith of Denver, CO a long-time friend Jessie (Jackie) Williams of Kansas City, MO. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial service is to be held Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Greater St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church located at 2835 Indiana, Kansas City, MO

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Carol

5 years ago

Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart, your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart. Miss you Uncle Bob.

Renee Duncan

5 years ago

We will miss you Uncle Bob!

Shirley Ellington Murphy

5 years ago

Couldn’t ask for a better brother. Always took care of his sisters. As Carol said, you will always be with me, always be in my heart. I love you Bob and will miss you terribly.

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

"Thank you so much for the wonderful help you have been to our family. You met and exceeded our wishes"

Bukeka and Makeda

"You gave us the personal attention that we needed during the process. Thank you for going the extra step for us"

Cynthia

"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

"Thank you so much for coordinating my mom's funeral. You could not have been more respectful and empathetic"

Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

Katie C.

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With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

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Jill H.

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

Nancy H.

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Ralph F.

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Genanne D.

"We appreciate all that you did to make my mother's visitation simple and elegant. Your staff helped all of our family feel very comfortable. Your place was perfect for honoring and celebrating my mother's life."

Sue and Bernie

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Mark R.

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Eleanor P.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

Rebecca B.

"Thanks so much for all you did to make our son's service so beautiful so that we could touch the lives of many through him."

Jim and Leslie

"Thank you so very much for all the work you did for Papa. He was the neatest man and I'm so lucky to have had so much time with him. We are grateful."

Cherlyn

"At such a difficult time, it was comforting to have your respectful and tender care of my mom and her arrangements. The service was a beautiful end to her journey to Heaven. You truly have a unique gift."

Holly G.

"Thank you so much for your care for me and my family after mom's death. Your love and attention was so helpful and you made it easy for me and my siblings to have fun with each other."

Brian O.

"I want to thank Signature Funerals and yourself for everything you have done during this hard time. You made this nightmare into something for us to be proud of. The kindness and love you showed us from day one was truly amazing. God Bless."

Ned and Kimberly

"Thank you so much. Everything was lovely and we have received so many compliments."

Anne E.

"Just want to thank you for helping to give such a nice memorial service for our loved one. You were wonderful and went beyond anything expected. I appreciate it and I appreciate you and the strength you give me."

Debbie Brown

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Mabel B.

"Words can not express our gratitude for helping us with our loved one's needs and the visitation service. You, especially, made such a tragic and sad time more bearable. Your friendship and professionalism went miles to help my family and myself."

Marta Reber Warren

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Andre Player | Vice President Anthem Media Group