Kenneth E. Mitchell

Kenneth E. Mitchell, 91, died September 20, 2018 at his home. Services will be held October 6th at 1:00pm at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Mitchell and his son Steven Mitchell. He is survived by 3 of his children, Sheri Mull (husband Jim Mull), Michael (wife Carol) and David, 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and countless others who will always have a special place in their heart for Ken. His younger brother Merle, preceded him in death and his younger sister Doris, lives in Kansas City with her husband, E. K. Stevenson (forever in our family known as “Pete”).

On September 22nd 1926, in Topeka, Kansas, Harry and Helen Mitchell’s first child was born…Hello world, here came Kenneth Eugene Mitchell! His younger days were filled with helping his parents, skinny dipping in ponds, caddying at local golf courses and in general, having a great childhood. But young men grew up early in those days and Dad went to work for the local Lawrence Theatres. Some of us remember the Jayhawk, the Varsity, the Granada, Lawrence Drive-In and The Sunset Drive-in. It was here, he met a fetching young woman, Mary Katherine Barber, who would soon become his wife. He had just turned 18 and she was still 16. Immediately after their vows, he was drafted into the army for World War II. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Dad as he jokingly liked to say, “I ended both Wars”. Just before shipping out to Europe, “VE Day” was pronounced throughout the nation…His orders were then changed and he was to be shipped to the Pacific Theatre, but, just before he would leave San Francisco, the Japanese surrendered. It seems the thought of Dad fighting, terrorized the Axis Powers. Even so, the Army thought it necessary that he still go to the Philippines to stand watch as a Private…just in case the evil-doers changed their minds. Suffice to say, peace in the world was preserved.

Back home, Mary was expecting first child, Sheri, and Dad received a leave to go back to the States for her birth. Afterwards, he was scheduled to go back and fulfill his two-year duty, but the Brass decided since he only had a few months left of duty, he was released of obligation from the Armed Forces.

School, more babies and building a home himself for $8,000.00 were next, as Steve was born in 1948, Mike in ’52 and Dave rounded out the Mitchell crew in 1954. The house, 2001 Mitchell Road, still stands to this day and will host a reception immediately following the October 6th services. The house that Dad built was an open door to all who passed its’ threshold. Come on in, have some food and drink, if you need to stay, there’s room somewhere.

Dad attended the University of Kansas majoring in Engineering. He left early to join KP&L and followed that job with a stint at CFCA that would last until his retirement. During this time, he never missed a game or event that any of his children, grandchildren or great grandchildren participated. No matter what, he was always in the stands.

Although he was married to Mary, golf was his Mistress. Never having a chance to play while raising the family, he was reintroduced to the sand greens that used to be at the southeast corner of 31st Street and Highway 59. 54 holes for $1.50 was the perfect price for a man that knew how to squeeze a buck. As he and we boys moved on to grass greens, he joined Alvamar Golf Club and until just a few months ago, was still playing with his early morning buddies and just last year, even had another hole-in-one! This chapter of his life could be a book, and due to time constraints, we will leave it at that, but I will tell you, his buddies purchased him a hard hat because he was always obnoxiously way out front while they were hitting their shots. Yelling at him made no difference because…he couldn’t hear them anyway.

Was he a good husband? Yes! Although he had little interest in Mom’s antiquing, he would drive her to numerous shops, estate sales and anywhere she felt she needed to observe. When she became ill, he became her caretaker…she wanted to be at home, and he made that happen. She passed in 2007 and there have been few days since that time, that he hadn’t wanted to join her.

After Mom’s death, Dad was happiest when many people were around. He might have just packed it in earlier if not for meeting the second love of his life, Margaret Merrion, who stole his heart and gave him a new reason to stick around. Margaret was a fantastic friend whose family adopted Dad, and we as his family are forever in their debt. Many great stories here, but again, we must move on.

At any time during this narrative, we could have just talked about Dad’s love of dogs and cats, and really, all animals. He would faithfully walk the dogs morning and night and of course, his love of them was reciprocated because as we all know…animals can tell the really good ones.

Finally, the guy who did so much for others, needed someone to watch over him. Stacy Mitchell and her significant other, Johnny Stokes, moved in to watch his diet, his meds and his overall care. Thanks, from all of us, doesn’t begin to express our gratitude.

In conclusion, there may be some who are equal, but no one is more qualified to carryout God’s work from above, than Dad…After all, he’d been doing God’s work here on Earth for almost 92 years. So, if I may be so bold as to speak for all of us…”Love you Dad!”

16 Condolences

  1. Adrian and Gillian Melott on September 24, 2018 at 9:17 am

    So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Mitchell. We will miss seeing him on his daily walk with his faithful companion. Always happy to stop and say hello. Rest in peace, Mr. Mitchell.



  2. joan Stevenson on September 24, 2018 at 11:34 am

    we will surely miss seeing Kenny on his daily walks thru the neighborhood with his sweet little dog. Kenny always had a kind word and a smile for all and loved to stop and visit with us if we were out and about. all the years he took care of Mary and was so good to her too. my sympathy to the family in your loss.
    joan Stevenson, neighbor



  3. Easterday Mike on September 26, 2018 at 9:31 am

    Ken Mitchell was true gentleman, in the finest sense of the word. “Mitch” was always ready to lend a hand, or word of support, if it would help someone. There are not enough people like “Mitch”. We will miss him. I am sorry that I will bo gone the day of the services. The obituary was a great tribute. Thank you Mitchell family.



  4. Mark & Pam Begert on September 26, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    Mike—From one Flying Hot Dog to another I send my sincere condolences. Your Dad was so much fun to be around and had great stories to tell. I had forgot he put an end to WWII. Loved that story. See you soon.



  5. Orville and Mary Jane Church on September 26, 2018 at 10:52 pm

    Stacy and family, we are sorry for your loss. I played pool with Steve and now Stacy. My husband, Orville worked with Ken at Farmland. Our condolences to you all.



  6. Jerry Martin on September 27, 2018 at 10:26 am

    Jerry Martin:

    Ken “Mitch” was a true gentleman and a pleasure not just to play golf with but to know. He was happy to share his life experiences and provided many laughs to the group over the many years he was a member at Alvamar. He will be missed.



  7. Audrey Kamb-Studdard, former neighbor on September 27, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    What a great neighbor for 11 years. Ken and Mary befriended our family, including 4 kids and many animals. When life got too hectic at our Mitchell Road house, I could pop over next door and visit with the Mitchells to find amusement in the family stories and antics of their kids: Sheri and the dating scene, Steve upside-down walking on his hands in the front yard, Mike roof–jumping from the house across the street, and David quietly laughing at them all. Their house was a teen-age gathering place for front yard football, and Ken enjoyed it all even though he patiently reseeded the yard every year. He loved Mary, all the kids and dogs. Thanks for friendship, help and so many memories.



  8. Barb Wente Linke on September 27, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    What a wonderful gentleman, husband, father and grandfather he must have been. Just hearing the words in the obituary were wonderful, but hearing Cheryl and Steve speak of him over the years brought him to life…,Rest In Peace Mr. Ken



  9. Maelyne Rider Schultz on September 29, 2018 at 11:43 am

    Sherry & Family,
    I am sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. Take heart in knowing he lived a full life
    and has joined your Mom, Mary, in heaven.



  10. Rance Blann on September 29, 2018 at 1:35 pm

    It’s taken me a few days to wrap my mind around the fact that Kenny is gone. I first met Kenny and Mary through my high school best friend Mike 50 years ago, and from day one, I was treated like family–and that has continued to this day. Through my formative “young-man” years I was lucky enough to play golf with Kenny 3 times a week for over 20 years. I say formative, because I admired and was so influenced by Kenny by what kind of a person, man, husband, father, and grandfather, he was–He made me a better person.

    Thank you, Kenny…say hi to Mary for me.



  11. Chuck Mosley on September 30, 2018 at 3:17 pm

    Chuck Mosley

    “Mitch” you will be missed. I was fortunate to be in your company as part of the morning golf group at the Alvamar/Jayhawk golf clubs. Your good humor and uncanny ability to hit putts of 30 feet or more will always be remembered.



  12. Kerry Kapfer on October 1, 2018 at 6:17 pm

    I always enjoyed visiting with Mr Mitchell I our wonderful neighborhood. He was a presence in our neighborhood and he will be missed.
    Kerry Kapfer



  13. Ken Norwood on October 3, 2018 at 5:57 pm

    What a great addition to my life, meeting and getting to spend some time with Ken!



  14. Julie Meyers on October 5, 2018 at 8:42 am

    I will always miss him.



  15. Dick Lind on October 6, 2018 at 10:05 am

    Enjoyed knowing Ken and listening to the stories about Farmland and his golf round s.



  16. Todd Mobray on October 7, 2018 at 7:18 pm

    Kenny and Mary (and Derek) welcomed me into their home for hundreds of meals, pregame snacks (and free basketball parking), and road game or movie-watching nights. Their hospitality made it cool for a college kid to hang out with at Grandma and Grandpa’s in the 80’s and 90’s. I wish I was more of a golfer at the time, because Grandpa Mitchell seemed to make a couple of trips a day to Alvamar during that time period.

    His generosity and hospitality was handed down through the generations. Shari (and Jim) and Derek (and Rene) and family have all always welcomed me to their homes or to tag along on any adventure and treated me like family.

    “Grandpa Mitchell” will be missed! Our family passes along our condolences.



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