John Mitchell, age 79, went to his eternal rest on December 9th, 2024. John was born in Wellington, Kansas on March 30th, 1945. He was the son of Raymond and Sola Mitchell. The family moved and made their home in Wichita, Kansas. John graduated from Wichita East High School in 1963. He married Donna Blick on June 6th, 1965. John signed up for the United States Marine Corps and proudly served in the Vietnam War. He served as part of an artillery unit and achieved the rank of Sgt. He received his honorable discharge in 1970. John and Donna have 2 children, Dan Mitchell of Wichita, and Mindy Laird of Summerville South Carolina.
John was employed as an Offset Press Operator for McCormick Armstrong for most of his career. He worked at Center Industries for a few years before his retirement. John was an avid sports fan and rooted for his Warriors, Patriots, Yankees, and Blue Devils. He loved to play recreation league basketball and softball. John loved music, especially Classic Country, Polka, and various genres of traditional Mexican music. He was a long-time member of an area Polka club and travelled to Polka dances around the region.
John is preceded in death by his sister, Carla Stringer. He is survived by his sister, Victoria Johnson. John was the proud Pampa to 9 grandkids: David Laird, Trenton Laird, Braden Laird, Kayla Gregg (Mitchell), John Mitchell, Danny Mitchell, Maia Mitchell, Marisa Mitchell, and Madelynn Mitchell. He also had 3 great-grandchildren: Xavier and Augustine Mitchell, and Lakota Gregg.
A recitation of the rosary for John will be held Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. A mass of christian burial will occur Monday, December 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 124 N. Roosevelt St., Wichita with a graveside service to follow at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Wellington, KS.
