Jonathan Howard Mitchell

Jonathan Howard Mitchell was born September 2, 1956 in Marysville, California to William and Dona (Cowles) Mitchell.  He passed away July 29, 2021 in Shawnee at the age of 64.

As a child, Jon (aka “Shoog,” or “Jonnie” as his mother and sisters affectionately referred to him) was renowned for his love of the outdoors, his closeness to his parents, and a noticeable ornery streak.

Jon was an avid baseball player and a prolific pitcher for the Willits Wolverines during his high school years. 

Upon graduating from high school in 1974, Jon enlisted in the United States Army and served for approximately 4 years before being honorably discharged in 1978.

Jon then embarked on a 15-year career in law enforcement that saw him achieve numerous accolades including Texas Panhandle Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 1981.

However, Jon’s most important and impactful career was his calling to serve his Lord and Savior in the ministry.  In 1993, Jon walked away from police work and became a traveling evangelist.  He and his family experienced many good times (and a few tough ones) along the way, but it was always apparent ministry was his true compass.  Jon became a pastor in Stroud, Oklahoma in 1995 and never looked back.  He always said he would never retire because serving the Lord gave his life purpose.  He was true to his word and dedicated his life to other people. 

In his later years he became an employee of the State of Oklahoma working in community outreach and assisting the elderly.  This job walked hand in hand with his ministry, and he achieved the role of Director for the COEDD Area Agency on Aging in Shawnee. 

Jon loved his flock, his co-workers and his friends, but his wife Jacque was his everything while his children ran a close second.  Jon touched the lives of thousands and was a man of unimpeachable integrity.  He will be beyond missed, but his spirit and the values he instilled in everyone that came into contact with him won’t be lost.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dona Mitchell; and his infant sister.  Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Jacque Mitchell of the home; children, Curtis Mitchell and his fiancé Reneé of Shawnee, William “Billy” Mitchell and his wife Alicia of San Antonio, Aundrea “Sissy” Ellis and her husband Jason of Stringtown; (4) grandchildren, Christian, Alexis, Chase, Jocelynn; (1) great-grandchild, Everly; sisters, Sharon Franke and her husband Rob of Mesa, AZ, Pam Arlich and her husband John of Willits, CA; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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