Kenneth O. "Ken" Ellis

Kenneth (Ken) Odell (K.O.) Ellis, a legendary athlete and coach, beloved husband, father, and grandfather of Batesville, MS, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025 at his home near Batesville after a lengthy illness. He was 80 years of age. Ken was surrounded by his family when he went to his eternal home.

Funeral services for Ken will be held 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Wells Funeral Home in Batesville. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m at Wells Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Sardis.

Ken was born February 13, 1945 to the late Taylor Ellis and Velma Yarbrough Ellis in Memphis, TN. Ken attended Tech High School in Memphis where he was on the Tech High School football team. Ken went on to attend UT Martin on a football scholarship. Ken served his Country in the Naval Reserves for six years. He was stationed at Guantanamo Bay during the Vietnam War. Ken was a firefighter for the City of Memphis, where he served faithfully for 33 years before retiring as Captain.

Ken was instrumental in bringing the Police and Fire World Games to Memphis. He served as the Executive Director for the Memphis Police and Fire Games held in Memphis in 1991. He began competing with the World Police and Fire games in San Jose, CA. in 1987. These games included traveling to several different countries to compete. He competed in Pole Vault, Shot Put, Discus Throw, Javelin, Hammer Throw, Hurdle Jump, Triple Jump, 100-meter run, 200-meter run, 400-meter run, and 1,000-meter run. In 2010 Ken was inducted into the Mississippi Senior Olympics Hall of Fame. Kens last competition in the Senior Olympics held on the Gulf Coast in March of 2024. Ken won an impressive five hundred and four medals from his numerous competitions.

Ken coached at numerous schools including Colonial, Elliston Baptist, UMCA, and also at the Memphis Fire Dept Competition Team. He was a volunteer coach on the track and field for South Panola for several years. Ken inspired so many athletes to push to be the very best they could be.

Ken loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed being in the outdoors. His whole world revolved around his wife Linda, who enjoyed hunting and fishing with him always. He was a faithful member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church in Sardis.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his son, Derek Ellis. He is survived and deeply missed by his loving wife of 34 years, Linda Bowman Ellis of Batesville; daughter, Karen Davis (John) of Cordova, TN; grandson, Hunter Ellis of Broken Arrow, OK; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also remembered by many friends and co-workers.

Special thanks to Arden Home Health & Hospice and to Safe and Sound Senior Home Care for the excellent care they provided for Ken.

Ken cared so deeply for the people around him. He was so kind and passionate and made an impact on so many lives. He will be forever missed. Until we meet again…

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Wesley Chapel Memorial Cemetery Fund, c/o Kay Goforth, 3190 A Deer Creek Rd, Batesville, MS 38606.