MITCHELL, Michael Rex "Mike" - b. May 6, 1956 - d. December 10, 2024

[patyrn]

Michael Rex "Mike" Mitchell of Howard, Kansas passed away on December 10, 2024 at his home at the age of 59.  He was born on May 6, 1965 in Turlock, California to Larry Rex and Ettie Jewel (Parker) Mitchell.  Mike had two older siblings and was very proud to be the baby of the family.

After moving to Elk County with his family in 1978, Mike attended West Elk Jr./Sr. High Schol where he graduated in 1983.  After graduation, he worked a short time in the oil field on pulling units and logging until he began working for the Elk River Watershed District #47 for more than 30 years, building relationships with landowners, board members, soil conservationists, and numerous others.  After leaving the Watershed District, he became self-employed and provided services for plumbing, electricity, landscaping and carpentry.  Mike had a curious mind and loved to learn how to do new skills by questioning the professionals around him (butchering, plumbing, electricity, plants.......) and learning directly from them. He especially loved woodworking and enjoyed milling his own boards with unique grain patterns to build creative designs.

In 1984, Mike met a girl at the Moline Halloween Weenie Roast.  He went on to date this young lady for the next 11 years, and on April 1, 1995, Mike married Ann Janette Jerome, the love of his life.  This union was blessed with three children, Michael, Wyatt, and Jewel.  Mike and Ann have weathered many tribulations in their forty years together through the grace and strength of God.  Mike loved big and loved to have fun.  He was always outside in nature and could identify a tree by its bark or leaf or could make anything grow.  He was a master at bartering and loved to work deals.  He enjoyed collecting all kinds of things, but his favorite thing was his family.  He loved his family and spending time with them doing silly things.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ann of the home; his sons, Michael Navarre of Chanute, Kansas and Wyatt Rex of Howard, Kansas; his daughter, Jewel Anne of Howard, Kansas; his sister, Deborah A. Sheel of Winfield, Kanas; his brother, Richard Wayne "Rick" (Janet) Mitchell of Elk Falls, Kansas; three nieces; one nephew; numerous great nieces and nephews; his sister-in-law, Larisa Jerome of Moline, Kansas; and his parents-in-law, Robert and Sharon Jerome of Howard, Kansas.  Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Michael Sheel. 

Cremation has been requested with a memorial service to be held on December 20, 2024 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.  Memorials have been suggested to either Calvary Chapel in Elk Falls, Kansas or the West Elk FFA and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)