6/15/1941 – 5/7/2026
Lawrence
A Memorial Mass for Kenneth Leland Mitchell, 84, of Lawrence, KS, is set for 10:00 AM, Friday, May 22, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS, with an inurnment following at Oak Hill Cemetery, Veteran Section in Lawrence, KS.
Kenneth passed on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, KS.
Kenneth was born on June 15, 1941, in Lawrence, Kansas, to the late Sam Mitchell and Sarah (Patterson) Mitchell.
In 1965, Kenneth married Donna (Vann) Mitchell. Though they later divorced, they remained the best of friends throughout the years.
He was preceded in death by his son, Derek Mitchell Sr.; his brothers, James Mitchell and Donald Mitchell; and his sisters, Nadine (Grant) Mitchell and Mary Jo (Jenkins) Mitchell.
Kenneth is survived by his brother, Robert “Bobby” (Billie) Mitchell; his sisters, Pearl Hamilton and Martha (Larry) Hamm; daughter-in-law Tina Mitchell; his children, Mychael Mitchell, Pamela (Isaiah) Lawson, and Kimberly (Keith) Fowler; along with brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, dear friends, and cherished grandchildren.
Kenneth graduated from Lawrence High School in 1960. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963. After his military service, he worked as a mechanic for DuPont/Flexel, where he dedicated 25 years before retiring.
Kenneth was a skilled mechanic and craftsman who took pride in working with his hands. He had a deep appreciation for Cadillacs and restoring vintage cars. He enjoyed woodworking and oil painting, and often painted nature scenes to give away as gifts. Music was one of his favorite pastimes, and as a young man, he played lead guitar in a band alongside vocalists Bobby White and Gilbert Moten.
Kenneth believed in God and carried his faith with quiet strength throughout his life. Kenneth was a member of St John’s Catholic Church, and his Catholic faith remained an important part of who he was.
Kenneth will be remembered for his strong work ethic, artistic talents, and experiences he shared with those who knew and loved him.
Memorial contributions in Kenneth’s name may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
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