Richard LeRoy Mitchell passed away in Enid, Oklahoma on March 26, 2021. He was born on October 7, 1934 to George G. and Olive C. (Hartzell) Mitchell in Kingfisher, OK.

Richard was always a hard worker and starting at age 13, he helped his father deliver newspapers from an airplane, took taxi requests, was a projectionist at the 89er theater and drove wheat trucks and combines in the summers. He was a Boy Scout and attended American Legion Boys State before graduating in 1953 from Kingfisher High School. He worked for his uncle Keith Mitchell wiring grain elevators before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1955. He attended Kansas State University, completed several Air Force Meteorology Schools and was a Meteorologist.

His first assignment was to Pepperrell AFB, St. John's, Newfoundland Canada where he met his future wife Catherine J. (Keough) Mitchell. They were married at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Kingfisher, OK on November 30, 1957 while stationed at Tinker AFB, OK. Richard was stationed at many bases over the years; Harmon AFB, Newfoundland, Canada; Chanute AFB, IL and Fort Riley, KS. He served in Phu Cat, South Vietnam from '68-'69. He was also assigned to Forbes AFB, KS and Goose Bay AFB, Labrador, Canada, serving as the weather liaison between the Canadian and American Armed Forces. His last duty was Scott AFB, IL in MAC Global Weather Center which supported all medical airlift C-9 Nightingales search and rescue. After retiring in 1976 the family moved to Kingfisher and he worked 15 more years for General Motors in OKC.

Richard and Catherine have lived the last 45 years in Kingfisher. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed summers at their cabin in Plate Cove East, Newfoundland, Canada. He enjoyed collecting stamps & coins and spending time with his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Donald Mitchell and infant grandson, Mark A. Mitchell.

Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Catherine J. Mitchell of Kingfisher; children Shirley Scott (Rocky) of Perry, OK, Stephen Mitchell (Laura) of Colorado Springs, CO, Sonya Auffet (Dr. Rodney) of Benkelman, NE; grandchildren, Brett Scott (Grace) of Tulsa, Matthew Mitchell of Colorado Springs, CO, Chad Scott (Kendall) of Dallas, TX, Miranda Loflin (Jacob) of Abilene, TX, Nathan Auffet of Concordia University in Seward, NE, and one great grandchild due on his birthday in October.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 30, 2021 from 9:00AM - 5:00PM at Sanders Funeral Service. Rosary will be Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 6:00 pm and the Funeral will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Both will be held at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kingfisher, OK.  Burial will be at Kingfisher Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Kingfisher OK.

Sanders Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements. www.sandersfuneralservice.com