Earl Wesley Mitchell passed from this life, late Thursday, February 22, 2024, at his home in Excelsior Springs, within a block of where he was born on March 16, 1931. His early childhood days were lived on a farm near Cowgill, Missouri in Caldwell County. His family moved to Excelsior Spring where he attended Isley, Wyman, and Roosevelt Schools.
He was a graduate of Excelsior Springs High School, class of 1950. At the outbreak of the Korean conflict, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon completing his basic training, his musical talents afforded him the opportunity to be assigned to the United States Air Force Band. Those years were spent at Pope Air Force Base, Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Shaw Air Force Base, Sumpter, South Carolina.
His search for a church where he could worship while stationed at Shaw AFB led him to Salem Baptist Church where he met Mary Lou Bell, a high school Junior from Sumpter, South Carolina. A one-year courtship led to their marriage of 67 years. Mary Lou graduated from high school on Friday, June 1, 1956, and was his bride one week later, Friday, June 8, 1956.
He brought his bride back to Excelsior Springs where he worked with his father hanging wallpaper and painting homes while serving in his church, in leadership and teaching Sunday school. Gifted artistically, he used his talent as a sign writer and illustrator to supplement his income and illustrate Bible stories.
In the early 1960’s, he was employed by the city of Excelsior Springs, working for the Pepsi Cola bottling company. He loaded trucks with products to be delivered to a six-county area, supervised its delivery, managed the advertisement and other operational responsibilities. During this time, a church in the community of Vibbard was in desperate need of a pastor to keep its doors open. This need gripped his heart. He worked diligently to minister to a few senior citizens and a handful of children. With his own funds he purchased a bus so he could pick up more children to insure they’d hear about Jesus’ love for them.
Pastoral ministry was generational in his family. He came from a line of men that had answered this call too. He pastored churches in Vibbard, Liberty, Independence, Cameron, before returning to his hometown of Excelsior Springs and his home church, Flack Memorial. He and his son, Randy would partner together in pastoral ministry for several years at Flack Memorial Church before his retirement.
He ministered to those who spent time with him. He would find a way to include Jesus in his conversations and stories. Like the man in Jesus’ story that was entrusted with several talents, he found a way to multiply them to please His master. He was always accompanied by his faithful companion and loving wife, Mary Lou.
His legacy will be felt for generations because of the lives he touched.
Earl Wesley was preceded in death by his parents, Earl V Mitchell and Ora Mitchell; brother, Bernie Mitchell; sister, Bonita Morris; daughter, Janice Mitchell and grandson, Max Deitrickson.
Surviving his death are wife, Mary Lou Mitchell; daughter, Susan Romazon (Randy); son, Randy Mitchell (Jody); five grandchildren, Corey Romazon (Tasha), Andrea Mitchell, Bethany Taylor, Zach Deitrickson and Brock Mitchell (Anna); and six great-grandchildren, Peyton, Gage and Bella Sams, Sadie Taylor, Oakley and Emery Romazon.
He will be missed by nieces and nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Flack Memorial Church. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Flack Memorial Church followed by burial at Salem Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests financial donations in his remembrance to Flack Memorial Church,
1300 Tracy Ave., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Susan, I am sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a fighter. I know he is at peace now.
Take good care of your mom and yourself.
Marie Rose
Aunt Mary Lou, Randy, and Susie, all the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. He love you, Aunt MaryLou, Randy, Susie, plus his a family of many. He is with the Lord. We will get to see him again one day.
Uncle Mitch was loved, kindhearted man, love Jesus and he will be greatly missed. Sending prayers and many hugs. Love you all.
Mary Miles
Mary Lou, Randy, Susie and families, we are so sorry for your loss! Earl was such a man of God, and touched so many lives. I know he touched ours, as has the Mitchell family for many years. We pray for your comfort, and know that Earl is in a wonderful place.
Gary and Patty Easley
We are so lucky to have had such a wonderful Brother-in-Love in the family. He will be missed but to know that he is in Eternity is comforting. We will keep the family in our prayers and are sorry we are unable to be there to offer comfort.
Love in Christ,
Danny, Carolyn & Family
Mary Lou, Randy, Susie…
Wanted to pass along my heartfelt condolences to all of you as a family. Earl Mitchell was a true man of God and served with such dedication. My parents held he and Mary Lou in the highest regard and always spoke well of their ministry throughout the years. I wish I could be there and wanted to express personally my care and concern to all of you during this time of loss. We know he is with the Lord and has reached that goal for which he lived his life and is now home where he belongs. What a tremendous legacy he leaves behind for all of us to reflect upon and remember. His was a life well lived and he will never be forgotten for the eternal impact he made in the lives of so many others, including my own by observing his example of faith and service. May the Lord’s peace, comfort, and blessing be with you all during your time of loss.
Sincerely,
Steve Clymer
