Josh Shane Mitchell

Deputy Joshua Shane Mitchell of Big Lake, Texas was killed in the line of duty and went to be with the Lord on Aug. 1, 2012, while serving as a Deputy Patrol Officer for the Reagan County Sheriffs Office. He was born on July 22, 1986, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Josh was a true hero and took his oath seriously. He gave his life while serving his fellow man. Josh graduated from Reagan County High School in May of 2006. He began his duties at the RCSO while still attending high school. After graduation, he worked as a night jailer while attending Howard College and pursuing a career in Criminal Justice. He graduated from Howard College on May 11, 2007. He then attended the Concho Valley Regional Law Enforcement Academy from which he graduated May 21, 2008. At this time he began his duties as patrol officer at RCSO. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Jill Matthews Mitchell on June 21, 2008. They made their home in the Stiles area. He had a love for children and a special way of touching their lives. In January 2011, Josh began his duties as D.A.R.E. officer at RCSO. He served as the D.A.R.E. Officer until his death. He shared the danger of drugs and alcohol with the children of Big Lake. Josh also began his duties as K-9 Officer for RCSO in January 2012. He and his trained sidekick, "K-9 Officer Sherlock" worked many hours patrolling the streets of Big Lake together. Josh served as a volunteer fire fighter for the Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department and the North Reagan County Volunteer Fire Department. Josh was named Rookie of the Year at BLVFD in 2007. Many days he served alongside his mother, Cindy, who is also a volunteer fire fighter. He was passionate about serving the community he grew up in and the surrounding area. Josh loved the outdoors. Boating, fishing, hunting, farming, and ranching are just a few of the things he loved to do in his spare time. Family and friends were always included in everything he did and loved. He was a faithful son, brother and husband and was there for his family anytime they needed him. He was a friend and helping hand to all. He was a member of Community Baptist Church in Stiles, where he took time out of his busy schedule to care for the lawn. Josh is survived by his wife, Jill Mitchell of Stiles; his grandparents, Marvin and Betty Mitchell, mother Cindy Mitchell, sister Jacy Mankin and her husband, JL and their daughter, Kenna, sister Bethany Hardison, all of Big Lake; father and mother-ln-law Jimmy and Linda Matthews of Stiles; brother and sister-in-law Michael and Natalie Matthews of Mertzon; sister-in-law Julie Matthews of Stiles; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and the entire staff of the RCSO, which he considered family. Pallbearers are Sheriff Jeff Garner, Chief Deputy Jeff Weatherby, Captain Destin Wilha, Deputy Rusty Weatherby, Deputy Troy Goodloe, Deputy Pete Botello, and Deputy Matt Morris. Honorary pallbearers are Reserve Deputy TJ Hill, Reserve Deputy Craig Chambers, Reserve Deputy Chad Armstrong, Reserve Deputy Sieth Wireman, Reserve Deputy Caleb Edwards, DPS Trooper Rob Eshleman, Texas Game Warden Matt Adams, Deputy Matt Suttle, and special friends Coby Booth, JJ Golliday, Wes Lowe and Billy Williams. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Big Lake, Texas. Immediately following the service a special law enforcement tribute will be held at the Reagan County Park. Graveside services will be in Stiles Cemetery. There will be a viewing from 6 p.m. until service time on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Big Lake. Rev. Byron Bitner and Rev. Gerald Bastin will be officiating the services. The family request memorials be sent to the Reagan County Sherrifs Office D.A.R.E program.