John Wilson Mitchell, Jr., of Mountain Grove, was born Jan. 4, 1946, in Pocahontas, Ark., to Modene (Tyler) Mitchell and John Wilson Mitchell, Sr. He entered into rest on Saturday, Sep. 12, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, following a prolonged illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James David Mitchell. He was joined in marriage to Carole Ann (Ellis) Mitchell on April 4, 1970, and he is survived by her and their three daughters, Carmen (Greg) Kramer, Angela (Robert) Mitchell-Phillips and Melissa Mitchell, all of St. Louis. John was a beloved grandfather to seven grandchildren, Elizabeth, Katherine, and A.J. Kramer; Duncan and Aidan Phillips; and Andrew and Sahar Zaheer. He is also survived by his sisters, Virginia (Rickey) Goff, of Smithville, Ark., and Mariglee (Jake) Liebhaber, of Cornelius, N.C.; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
John grew up on his family’s farm in Ravenden Springs, Ark., and graduated from high school there in 1963. He worked at a variety of jobs, including a canning factory and a hardware store, before he was called to serve in the United States Army. Afterward, he was employed by the Brown Shoe Company and was transferred to Mountain Grove, where he met Carole Ann. He soon began his career as a chief engineer on riverboats on the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri Rivers. After his retirement, he enjoyed raising cattle and working on the family farm. He especially looked forward to hay season. Through the years, John found time for a number of hobbies, including crafting dollhouse furniture for his daughters when they were young, making custom hunting knives and jewelry and tending to a large garden, which included giant sunflowers he saved for birds and other wildlife in winter. He made his confession of faith and was baptized in Beaver Creek shortly after his marriage to Carole Ann and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Mountain Grove. John was a past volunteer with the American Red Cross and taught community CPR classes; later, he became active with the Wright County Democrats and frequently assisted at the election polls. John was a friend to many and he delighted in their company. More than anything else, though, he loved his family and treasured holidays and get-togethers with them. He never failed to be of help whenever they called, no matter the time or place. He was loved and loved well, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Graveside services for John Mitchell were held Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020, at Friendship Cemetery at 11 a.m. with Pastor Michael Blacksher and Pastor Zach Pridemore officiating. John’s grandchildren served as honorary pallbearers; Elizabeth Kramer, Katherine Kramer, A.J. Kramer, Andrew Zaheer, Sahar Zaheer, Duncan Phillips and Aidan Phillips. Burial with full military honors by the United States Army and American Legion Post No. 45 and VFW Post No. 3135 was under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
