Donnie Ellison

Donnie Ellison, 70, of Hot Springs went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 26, 2013. Donnie was born on November 13, 1942 the son of Corine Ward and William Ellison who preceded him in death. He was of the Christian faith. Donnie worked for Oaklawn Jockey Club where he dedicated over 50 years of his life as one of the premiere track superintendents in the nation. Donnie received numerous awards during his 50 years at Oaklawn including, Golden Heart Service Award, several Manager of the Year awards and Horseman Benevolent Protective Association (HBPA) award in 1997 and 2004. He was recognized by his peers and horsemen for his commitment in keeping the track safe and open for the horses. Donnie loved the sport of horse racing. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Ellison of Hot Springs; sons, Donny (Sherry) Ellison of Mt. Ida, Devin Ellison of Hot Springs; daughter, Brittney Carloss of Hot Springs; stepsons, Danny (Tiffany) Cottrell of Bismarck and Brent Cottrell of Hot Springs; step-daughter, Amanda Baker of Hot Springs; three sisters, Billie (Rick) Tabor of Midwest, Oklahoma, Lynda Ruth Albright of Hot Springs and Marilyn (Rocky) Smith of Hot Springs; one brother, Paul (Sandy) Baldwin of Pueblo, Colorado; grandchildren, Korbin Cottrell, Jennifer (Jeff) Warden, Josh (Brittney) Ellison, Mikayla Ellison and Alexis Shanek; great grandchildren, Jayden Warden and Jax Ellison; several loved nieces, nephews and friends. His extended family was the Oaklawn Jockey Club maintenance crew. Visitation will be 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunday June 30th at Hot Springs Funeral Home. Celebration of Life services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday July 2nd at Oaklawn Jockey Club infield with Pastor Ben Wiles officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Oaklawn Jockey Club staff, Charles Cella, Ismael (Smiley) Sanchez, and Johnny Breckling. Also, Arkansas Hospice and a special thanks to Dr. Martin Koehn, Brenda, Zann, Jarrod and Renea, Mt. Olive Community Church and River of Life Church of God. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice – 628 Malvern Avenue – Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901.