Garrell Leo “Mitch” Mitchell, son of Isaac and Ruby Hamel Mitchell, was born June 10, 1945, in Walnut Ridge, Ark. He departed this life Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in his home, in Mansfield, Mo., at the age of 59.
He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Wiese, and together they shared the last several years.
He was preceded in death by his father; a sister, Betty Findley; and a nephew, Roger Huntsman.
Mitch is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of the home; two daughters, Michelle Shortt and her husband, Loy, of Ava, and Cissy Banning and her husband, Jimmy, of Springfield; three grandchildren, Tara and Courtney Allen, and Mitchell Banning; his mother, Ruby Mitchell, Mansfield; a stepson, Chris Walker and his wife, Denise, of Mansfield, Texas; three step-grandchildren, Katie, Colin and Conor Walker; a brother, Bill Mitchell and his wife, Ginnie, of Springfield; a niece, Debby Huntsman, of Independence; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born in Walnut Ridge, Ark., and moved with his family to Kansas City where he graduated from high school. He attended barber college and earned his barber’s license in 1963. He then went to the Missouri Highway Patrol Academy in 1967 and served as a patrolman for 21 years. In 1992 he was elected Wright County Sheriff and served two terms in that office.
Mitch had made his profession of faith in Christ and was a member of the Mansfield First Baptist Church.
He belonged to the Mansfield Masonic Lodge #543 AF&AM. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren.
Mitch was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend.
Services will be held at 7 p.m. today (Thursday) at Holman-Howe Chapel, Mansfield, with the Rev. Paul Buchanan officiating. Interment will be in Mansfield Cemetery.
