Dwayne LaMarr Mitchell, 72, of Olathe, Kansas entered into the joy of the Lord as the sun came up on Monday, October 30, 2023. Dwayne was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on September 18, 1951 to Thurman and Hazel Mitchell. He was the fifth of six children, four brothers and one sister. They shared a very close bond that lasted a lifetime.
When he was very young his family moved to Wichita, KS and there he spent most of his childhood. He attended Little Elementary School. Though small in size, he was very physically strong and mentally focused. He got his first job at age 11 at Adam’s BBQ. He purchased his first car with his own hard-earned money. At a very young age, Dwayne developed a strong work ethic. He never missed a day of school or work and believed in always being early. He participated in Boy Scouts and multiple church and community activities. His family home was the house on the block loaded with action and good food. While in high school he became a championship wrestler. He graduated from Wichita Heights High School in 1969. He later attended Kansas State University and received his degree in Fine Arts. A few years after college he moved to Oklahoma City and worked for the Oklahoma Health Science Dept as an engineer for 25 years.
In his life Dwayne had two serious passions, art and photography. He saw nature and colors differently than most. When others saw a pile of broken glass and metal, he saw a sculptor crying out for his hands to shape and carefully transform into a work of art. He saw the desert sands blow, and the ocean waves waving at him as he captured them by camera. He often said that only God could create this incredible multi-colored world. He later added a third passion of traveling. He then painted sunsets as abstracts from every corner of the globe. Dwayne accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Wichita, KS. Though he lived away from Wichita for many years, he later returned and rededicated his life to Christ. He became very active in the service of the Lord at Tabernacle Bible Church. He enjoyed singing in the Men’s Gospel Choir and served as the church stenographer for many years. He participated in a weekly home Bible Study started by his parents that lasted for almost forty years. He continued it after their passing. He loved to share his testimony and his favorite verse was Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Dwayne was a great cook and had the gift of hospitality. He was a carpenter and handyman. He was a devoted uncle and an attentive son. He purposely lived just yards from his parents’ home for many years to help them keep up their rental properties. He was his father’s final caregiver.
During the final years of His life, Dwayne relocated to the Overland Park area to be cared for by his family. A man’s days on earth are numbered by God. Dwayne completed his days on earth. The Lord called him home. In that great gettin’ up morning, he was flown to the streets of Glory completely healed and free of pain. He beheld the face of Jesus, the Precious Lamb of God, the One who died for him. The one who found him when he was lost and restored his soul. He saw the One who called him friend. He saw his parents, Dad and Mother Mitchell, oldest brother Thurman, nephew Derrick and great niece Alexis.
What a time of rejoicing they had. Dwayne leaves to miss his smile and cherish his memory, three brothers, Emmitt Mitchell (Karen), Lenexa, KS; Arnold Mitchell (Regina), Lake Mary, Fl; Denzel Mitchell, Oklahoma City, OK; Janice Mitchell, Del City, OK; and one sister, Dr. Marjorie Mitchell-Riley, Grandview, MO; sister-in-law, Malvena Mitchell (Thurman), Kansas City, MO. He also leaves a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends to carry on his legacy. People knew they could be themselves around Dwayne because his love was unconditional. He will never be forgotten. His final words in this life were, I’ve been forgiven! Though he cannot come to us again, we will go to him! 2 Samuel 12:2
Dwayne will be laid to rest in Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131; Garden Walk Memorial; Section: NE Road , Tier: D1, Niche: 9.
Serving as pallbearers are Gary Dean Jones, Thurman Mitchell III, Theron Mitchell, Nathaniel Mitchell, DJ Mitchell, Joshua Mitchell, Jonathan Mitchell, Gerrin Mitchell, Emmitt Mitchell, Arnold Mitchell and Denzel Mitchell.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Mitchell family.
