3/2/1965 – 10/12/2024
Lawrence
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Derek Kent Mitchell Sr., 59. He left behind his earthly life on Saturday, October 12, 2024, surrounded by his family. Derek was born on March 2, 1965, to Kenneth Mitchell and Donna (Vann) Mitchell in Lawrence, KS. Derek attended Lawrence Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. During his early elementary years, Derek was known to leave Pinckney without permission and walk to his grandmother’s house. He would show up at her door and exclaim a whole day of school is too long. He attended West Junior High School and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1983.
Derek started work as a teenager with his first job being a paper boy with his very own route. In high school, he moved from throwing papers for the Journal-World to dishwashing at Sirloin Stockade. Upon graduating from high school he worked briefly at Packer Plastics and then landed a job at K-Mart Corporation/Sears Holding Company where he worked for 33 years in quality control. During this time Derek also completed certifications through Kaw Valley Vocational School and operated Mitchell’s Cabinetry for 10 years while working full-time at K-Mart Corp. Many homes have cabinets built by Derek from his one-man shop. He was a skilled and talented carpenter. Derek’s last 5 years of employment were spent with Hallmark Cards. Derek valued hard work and displayed it every day of his life through his work ethic and the sacrifices he made to support his family.
Derek was a 1st round draft pick as an armchair quarterback and he loved cheering for KU basketball, yelling at KU football, and celebrating the KC Chiefs. Derek was a car enthusiast, especially automobiles and motorcycles with power and speed. He appreciated good music from all genres and could often be found in his music studio picking on one of his many guitars. He always said, “A man could not have too many guitars.” Over the years he played in a few bands, the most notable of all was “Fried Chicken” and in the past, he had also played for his church choir.
Derek’s first and second loves were music and cars. He knew them long before his third and final love, Tina. Derek married Tina on June 23, 1990, and they enjoyed 34 years together. They were blessed with two children. Derek will forever beam with pride over the man and woman his son DJ and daughter Tori have become.
Derek gave his life to Christ as a young father and was fully aware of the meaning of his commitment and privilege. He embraced God’s love and promise.
Derek was preceded by his grandparents, Elmer Oliver Vann, Mildred Fern (Reddick) Vann, and Samuel and Sarah Mitchell.
Derek is survived by his wife, children, and parents and by his brother, Mychael Mitchell; sisters, Pamela (Isiah) Lawson, and Kimberly (Keith) Fowler; nieces and nephew, Gementri Fowler, Andre McNeely, Lauren (Braxton) McNeely-Harris, Chanelle McCluer, and DeOnna Fowler; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold (Muriel) Cook, Sandra Hardin, Terry Cook, James (Cathy) Hilliard, Gary (Brenda) Hilliard, Nicki Carter, Rudy (Becky) Hillard, Rhonda Smith, Dale (Susan) Hilliard and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Reginald E. Bachus, Pastor of Friendship Baptist, Chicago, Il., and Rev. Delmar White, Senior Pastor at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, Topeka KS at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the funeral home. A Repass and Celebration of Life will follow at 6 Mile Chop House at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the American Heart Association, 5800 Foxridge Dr., Mission, KS 66202 or your local blood bank. rumsey-yost.com
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