MITCHELL, Michael Benjamin-Andrei - b. June 14, 1991 - d. April 4, 2023

[patyrn]

Michael Benjamin-Andrei Mitchell passed away at the age of 31 in Joplin, Missouri on April 4, 2023.  He was born in Romania on June 14, 1991 and adopted as an infant by Harvey and Cathy (Mustoe) Mitchell of Valley Center, California in July 1991.

Michael graduated from Escondido Charter High School in Escondido, California and the University of California-Santa Barbara with a degree in Global Studies and International Business in 2013.  While in college, Michael was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.  After graduation, Michael continued his involvement with Alpha Tau Omega by organizing alumni group activities in the Los Angeles, California area.  He recently completed a Mini-Master's Degree in Public Administration from Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas.

Michael moved to Longton, Kansas two years ago and was employed by the State of Kansas Department of Commerce/Office of rural Prosperity, working in Independence, Kansas.  He was a volunteer member of the City of Longton Volunteer Fire Department, the Longton Community Connections, and the Longton Historical Society.  He attended the Christian Community Church of Longton, Kansas.

Being an avid reader and a life-long learner, Michael was learning his native language of Romanian.  He was also highly creative and enjoyed art, creative cooking, and utilizied his talents by creating logos for the Longton Historical Society and the Community Christian Church in Longton. 

Michael loved his family and was enjoying his life in rural Kansas.  The Department of Commerce Office of Rural Prosperity was excited to work with Michael.  His creativity, West Coast life experiences, and education provided a new perspective in discussion and proposals to bring prosperity in rural Kansas.  Learning firefighter skills was exciting and rewarding to Michael.  It was important to him to provide protection for his community and become a member of the firefighting family.

Michael is survived by his mother, Cathy Mitchell of Longton, Kansas; his sisters, Lauren McCoy of Camarillo, California and Morgan Mitchell of Lancaster, California; his half-sister, Kathy Weaver of San Marcos, California; his half-brother, David Mitchell of Escondido, California; and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles.  He was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Mitchell. 

Michael was an organ donor, and the famly was pleased to learn that his donation will have a positive impact on potentially hundreds of people, saving many lives.  Services for Michael will be held at the Community Christian Church in Longton, Kansas on April 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with a graveside service immediatly following in the Longton Cemetery.  As part of the service, the Kanas State Firefighter's Association will honor Michael. 

In lieu of flowers, Michaels' family is asking that donations be made to the City of Longton Volunteer Fire Department. Services have been entrusted to Countryside Fuenral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kasnas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)