Donald Ezzell

MADISON-Donald R. Ezzell, age 72, went home to Jesus on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015. He was born to Clara May (Wall) and Hershal Francos Ezzell on Aug. 1, 1943, in Brawley, Calif. Donald married Caroline Mae "Carrie" Marek on Feb. 8, 1963, in San Diego, Calif. Donald spent his youth in the southwest but considered Texas his home. He joined the U.S. Navy in June 1961, serving until 1964. He then moved his young family to Madison where they have since resided. Donald worked for Ellis Wholesale for 25 years and then started Ezzell Building and Construction. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, camping, writing, working with his hands and working on his lands. He was a member of the Eagles Club, E.C.A. and a faithful member of the Calvary Gospel Church. Donald is survived by his wife; his three sons, Edward (Rebecca) of Madison, Timothy (Tara) of Larchwood, Iowa, Jeffrey (Kelli) of Deerfield; sister-in-law, Susan (Jim) Estorf of Waunakee; foster daughter, Chandra (Mike) Bakken of Madison; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, four foster grandchildren; sister, Patsy (Tom) McNeely of Lemoore, Calif.; brother, Jerry Ezzell of Janesville; sisters-in-law, Leslie Ezzell of Madison, Linda Ezzell of Houston, Texas, Johnette (Ezzell) Hustad of Calif.; and many nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and loved ones. Donald was preceded in death by his father and mother, Clara Wall Ezzell MacInerny Vincent; an infant son, Donald Ray; grandson, Thain; brothers, Hershal Leroy "Roy", Billy Gene, and Bobby Doyle; sister, Peggy Ann (Ezzell) Fann; and two infant foster grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, at 11 a.m. at CALVARY GOSPEL CHURCH, 5301 Commercial Ave., Madison. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr. Madison, from 4 p.m .until 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, and on Saturday Sept. 12, 2015, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The family would like to send their deepest thanks to all the wonderful staffs of Agrace HospiceCare, St. Mary's Hospital, UW Hospitals, and the V.A. You all gave Don the "Quality of Life" these last months and it was deeply appreciated.