Kenneth L. Mitchell

Kenneth Leon Mitchell, Jr.

September 7, 1940 - April 26, 2019

Kenneth Mitchell, age 78, of Lumberton, TX, passed away on April 26, 2019, surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren. He was born to Kenneth Michell, Sr. and Mabel Collier Mitchell on September 7, 1940 in Loeb, TX.

Kenneth was a man of distinct character as there will never be another quite like him. In some ways he was as tough as nails, and in others, he was as tender as a child. He was born in a time where boys had to become men very quickly, and for Kenneth there was no other option. He joined the Navy after high school and served his country. For Kenneth, there was nothing, next to the Lord, that came before family. That kind of loyalty was etched into every fiber of his being and came as naturally as breathing.

Upon his return from the Navy, a young lady caught his eye, and he was ruined for all others. He knew he had to have Barbara Jean Langham, and he always went after the things he wanted. Since patience was never his strongest quality, they married as quickly as possible on September 3, 1960. They would go on to have three children: two daughters and a son. And he would eventually affectionately be known as “Papa” to his six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren to whom he repeatedly stated meant more to him “than anything in the whole wide world!”

He lived a life completely devoted to family and worked hard to give them the best life he could. In fact, his wife can’t recall a time that he ever turned down overtime. She remembers how he worked a six-month shutdown on straight nights with only one day off. He retired from DuPont after 30 years finally getting to enjoy fishing, travelling, and the mountains.

Not only did he demonstrate an iron work ethic and a very low tolerance for laziness, that same attitude carried over into his spiritual life. He was at church every time the doors were open for as long as he was well and able. His children and grandchildren are a testament to his Christian legacy. He led by example with his generous, but quiet giving and his unwavering faithfulness.

It would be remiss not to mention his possibly most well-known quality: his no-nonsense way of speaking. You never had to wonder where you stood with Kenneth. If he loved you, he was very vocal about that love. He spoke plainly and directly without reservation about what he thought and felt. His transparency and authenticity have left a mark on the hearts of all who had the pleasure of loving him.

Left to honor his memory is his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara Langham Mitchell; daughters Deanna Young and husband Dusty, and Renee Rountree; son Timothy Mitchell and wife Debbie; grandchildren Justin Mitchell, Tami Zampini and husband Corey, Jason Mitchell and wife Lacey, Andrea Ivy, Kate Newton and husband Matt, and Jeffrey Rountree and wife Kati; great-grandchildren Daphne, Kylie, Emma, Abigail, Job, Jett, Cruze, and Cosette; sister Dorothy McKnight and husband Alvin; his very special friends Bradley and Brenda Honeycutt, Helen Stone, David and Teresita Garber and children, and a host of extended family and friends.

Preceding Kenneth in death were his parents; sister, Betty Jo Mitchell; and brother, Jim Mitchell.

Visitation with family and friends will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 29, 2019, at The Apostolic Church of Beaumont, 3333 Eastex Fwy, Beaumont, TX 77706. Kenneth’s life honoring service will be on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., also at the church, with Pastor Jason Carr and Pastor Jimmy Mitchell officiating. Graveside Committal will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday afternoon, at Bumstead Cemetery, Lumberton, TX.

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