Richard Mitchell
Richard LeRoy Mitchell passed away in Enid on March 26, 2021.
He was born Oct. 7, 1934, to George G. and Olive C. (Hartzell) Mitchell in Kingfisher.
Richard was always a hard worker and, starting at age 13, he helped his father deliver newspapers from an airplane, took taxi requests, was a projectionist at the 89er Theatre and drove wheat trucks and combines in the summers.
He was a Boy Scout and attended American Legion Boys State before graduating in 1953 from Kingfisher High School.
He worked for his uncle Keith Mitchell wiring grain elevators before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1955.
He attended Kansas State University, completed several Air Force meteorology schools and was a meteorologist.
His first assignment was to Pepperrell AFB, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, where he met his future wife, Catherine J. (Keough) Mitchell.
They were married at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kingfisher on Nov. 30, 1957, while stationed at Tinker AFB.
Richard was stationed at many bases over the years: Harmon AFB, Newfoundland, Canada; Chanute AFB, Illinois, and Fort Riley, Kan.
He served in Phu Cat, South Vietnam from 1968-69. He was also assigned to Forbes AFB, Kan., and Goose Bay AFB, Labrador, Canada, serving as the weather liaison between the Canadian and American Armed Forces.
His last duty was Scott AFB, Illinois, in MAC Global Weather Center, which supported all medical airlift C-9 Nightingales search and rescue.
After retiring in 1976, the family moved to Kingfisher and he worked 15 more years for General Motors in Oklahoma City.
Richard and Catherine have lived the last 45 years in Kingfisher. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
He enjoyed summers at their cabin in Plate Cove East, Newfoundland, Canada. He enjoyed collecting stamps and coins and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald Mitchell and infant grandson, Mark A. Mitchell.
Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Catherine J. Mitchell of Kingfisher; children Shirley Scott (Rocky) of Perry, Stephen Mitchell (Laura) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Sonya Auffet (Dr. Rodney) of Benkelman, Neb.; grandchildren, Brett Scott (Grace) of Tulsa, Matthew Mitchell of Colorado Springs, Colo., Chad Scott (Kendall) of Dallas, Texas, Miranda Loflin (Jacob) of Abilene, Texas, Nathan Auffet of Concordia University in Seward, Neb.; and one great-grandchild due on his birthday in October.
Funeral service was 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 31, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kingfisher. Burial will be at Kingfisher Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
Sanders Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.