A Celebration of Life for Harold Eugene Mitchell, 85, of Allen are 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the Richmond Avenue Free Will Baptist Church in Allen, Bro. Buddy Drake will officiate. Burial will follow at Allen Cemetery. The Chickasaw Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the cemetery. A Reception will be held at the church following the burial. Family and friends may call at the Allen Chapel from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Criswell Chapel in Allen.
Harold Eugene Mitchell, a man proud of his Choctaw heritage, died peacefully in his sleep on December 14, 2018, with his wife Janelle, by his side.
Harold was born on the family homestead in Coal County, OK on July 31, 1933. He lived on the ranch until he was 14, when the family moved into town – Allen, OK. Harold attended the Allen public schools. He married Betty Sanders on January 12, 1953 and served in the U. S. Army from 1953 through 1955. He and Betty moved to Corpus Christi, TX in 1955. Harold worked in the oil and gas industry for his entire career, rising to management positions at various companies. His work took him all over the country and the world (from Scotland and the North Sea to Saudi Arabia and Africa). He finished his career owning and running Mitchell Mechanical Services, Inc. in west Texas.
Harold and Betty raised two boys, Terry and Robert, who are best friends as well as brothers.
Harold married Janelle Davidson in 1997. He retired and he and Janelle moved to Allen. Harold remained active in his church, Richmond Avenue Free Will Baptist Church of Allen and the Allen Masonic Lodge. He was a board member of the Tri-County Indian Nations, where he helped obtain grants for housing for those in need. Harold was proud of his Choctaw heritage and served the Choctaw Veterans Association, helping to establish the Choctaw Veterans Cemetery at the Capitol grounds.
“Pop” (as he was affectionately known by his grandchildren) had a heart for serving others – from his church to his friends, family and community. He loved God and he loved his family. The family was blessed by his leadership, service and quiet love for all. The family cherished the friendships shared between Pop and “Granny Janelle”, and “Meemaw” (Betty Mitchell). The kids and grandkids love them all!
Harold was predeceased by his parents, Odis and Mary Mitchell; sisters, Eva Mae Frederick (Jesse), Helen Sanders (Lloyd), the sister he never met, Dorothy; and a brother, Kenneth.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Janelle, of the home; his first wife, Betty Mitchell; sister-in-law, Betty Mitchell; two sons, Terry (Patricia) and Robert (Janet); four grandchildren, Lindsay Fields (Chas), Morgan Case (Scott), Madison Mitchell, and Robert Kelly Mitchell; one great-granddaughter, Hannah Case; his step-children, Davy (Sherry) Davidson, Mickey (Leslie) Davidson, and Casey (Miranda) Davidson; a step-daughter, Doll (Rich) Peterilli; 10 step-grandchildren; 14 step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of extended Mitchell family members and friends from around the world.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
