Steven Lee Ellard

Steven (“Steve”) Lee Ellard, 71, passed away unexpectedly on March 14, 2025. Steve was known for his no-nonsense conversation, mischievous, good-natured pranks, and his love of softball, loud music, hunting, fishing, and slot machines. He spent his life turning friends into family, traveling with his wife and friends, finding the nearest Buckee’s on every road trip, and spreading generosity in so many ways. He was a beloved husband, a caring father, a steadfast friend, and dedicated employee.

Steve was born June 10, 1953, in Los Angeles, California. His loving parents were Jep & Eleanor Ellard. Steve attended high school in Redondo Beach, California and went on to serve in the United States Marines Corp where he was stationed in the Philippines during the Vietnam War.

Steve met his wife, Linda, by a chance encounter at the Red X gas station in Odessa, Texas. He saw a beautiful girl in a Ford Mustang with a Great Dane named Biscuit in the backseat, and he was smitten. He married Linda Sue Milligan on July 5, 1980, and they remained married for the rest of his life.

The light of his life was his children, Steven William Ellard and Suzanne Marie Ellard.

Steve found satisfaction in doing the right thing and —taking care of his family, taking pride in his work, doing what he said he would do, being a loyal friend, and offering a seat at his table or a room in his home to those who needed it.

Steve lived a modest life, but his heart was rich with love and generosity. He didn’t wait for someone to ask for help, he perceived a need and lent a hand. You could count on him to help you move, tow your car, buy you a meal, or put gas in your truck. Nothing was too big or too small.

Steve had many hobbies, including off roading, softball, hunting, and fishing, and he was sure to have friends and family by his side. Steve started the Father-Daughter Softball League to share his love of softball with his daughter. He enjoyed taking fishing trips with friends to Alaska, and there was always an open spot in his deer blind.

Steve was more dedicated to his work than most. He was the heartbeat of Tascosa Brick & Fireplace in Amarillo, TX for more than 30 years. Besides being a “jack of all trades, master of some,” he was a master hearthman—a true craftsman. Steve held many certifications, and no one knew brick or fireplaces better. He was beloved by co-workers and customers alike.

Steve is survived by his dedicated wife, Linda Sue Ellard; his beloved daughter, Suzanne Marie Ellard of San Diego, California; his son, Steven William Ellard and wife, Angela, of Indio, California; two granddaughters, Grace and Emerson Ellard also of Indio, California; his sister, LindaLou Ellard and husband, Glenn Perrin of Corrales, New Mexico; sister-in-law Sandra Taylor and husband, Gary, of Santa Clarita, California; sister-in-law Barbara Concannon and husband, Michael of Shelbyville, Tennessee; brother-in-law Robert Milligan of Bothell, Washington; nephews Ryan Taylor of Bakersfield, California and Justin Taylor of Santa Clarita, California, and a beloved cousin Brian Chandler of Oxnard, California.

Among his friends-turned-family who remain to cherish Steve’s memory include The Colt Whittenburg Family (Colt, Tonya, Tripp, and Aspen, all of Amarillo, TX); The Brad Ray Family (Brad, Randi, Sissy, and Kenzie, all of Amarillo, TX); and Brittany Lowe of Amarillo, TX.

A memorial service to honor Steve’s life will be held at 5 pm, Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel at 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, Texas. Steve despised formality and stuffiness and would give you a hard time if you showed up in a suit. Dress comfortably.

Flowers may be sent to Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, Texas. Donations can be made in Steve’s memory to the High Plains Food Bank, Amarillo Rescue Shelter, Inc., or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Steve loved to feed people, it was his love language. The family invites you to join them for a meal following the memorial service hosted by Tascosa Brick & Fireplace, 311 N. Tyler Street, Amarillo, TX 79107.