Michael Rex Mitchell's Obituary
Michael (Mike) Rex Mitchell, of Howard, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at his home at the age of 59. Mike was born on May 6, 1965, in Turlock, CA to Larry Rex Mitchell 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 School 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, electric, 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, though 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/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 son, Michael Navarre of Chanute, KS; son, Wyatt Rex of Howard, KS; daughter, Jewel Anne of Howard, KS; Sister, Deborah A. Sheel of Winfield, KS; Brother, Richard (Rick) Wayne Mitchell (Janet) of Elk Falls, KS; Three nieces, one nephew, numerous great nieces and nephews; his SIL, Larisa Jerome of Moline, KS; and his In-Laws Robert and Sharon Jerome of Howard, KS. Mike was proceeded in death by his parents, and nephew Michael Sheel. Cremation has been requested with a Memorial Service to be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:00AM at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, KS. Memorials have been suggested to either Calvary Chapel Elk Falls, 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 direction of Countryside Funeral Home 206 E. Washington, P.O. Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349
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