LeRoy "Jack" Ellingsworth departed his life at Mercy Hospital on Saturday, October 8, 2016. Jack was born to Edward C. and Nellie Ellingsworth February 22, 1924 in Galloway, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lefa; a son, Raymond; a grandson, Doug Ellingsworth; three brothers, Raymond, Ivan and Buck and a sister, Roberta Daniels.

Jack spent most of his career in real estate, banking and investments. He owned and operated the Ellingsworth Company Realtors and the Ellingsworth Company Builders. He developed two subdivisions and was a working partner in the Bentsen Land & Development Company in McAllen, Texas. He also partnered with the O.L. Burger Company, of Dallas, Texas in selling citrus groves, ranches, commercial properties and motels across America for the Romney Brothers (now Marriott properties).

Jack was active in local, state and national real estate organizations. He served as President of the Springfield Board of Realtors, President of the Multi-List Board and a Realtor of the Year, and President of the Missouri Association of Realtors, also being named a Realtor of the Year for that Association. He served as Vice-President of the National Realtors Association, and was appointed by President Nixon to serve on his "Advisory Board of Small Business Owners of America." He was appointed to be member of the "Republican Senatorial Inner Circle" by Vice-President Dan Quayle and Senator Robert Dole, and spoke at many national conventions.

He was appointed to the Missouri Real Estate Commission by Governor Christopher Bond, and was instrumental in updating the real estate written examination. He also assisted in the passage of new real estate laws and regulations.

Jack served on the Springfield Zoning and Planning Commission, was a Shriner, a member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club, and served as finance chairman of his church. He sold Ellingsworth Company Realtors to Carol and Jim Jones, who renamed it "Jones & Company."

Following his initial retirement, he took time to spend with his family vacationing across the country and internationally. Deciding that retirement was not yet for him, he accepted the position of Senior Vice-President, Secretary and Loan Officer for Great Southern Savings & Loan Company," and a few years later re-entered the real estate profession until his final retirement.

He is survived by his loving family: wife, Ardell; son, Ivan; daughter, Vicki Ricketts (Tod); two step-children, Carolyn Smith (Mike) and Rick Bilyeu; five grandchildren: Debbie Callahan (David), Mark Ellingsworth (Heather), Eric Ellingsworth (Penny), Seth Snider, Chanel Faszholz (Sam); six great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be Monday, October 17, 2016 at 11AM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A private burial will be held in Maple Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the American Stroke Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231.