John H. Mitchell

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 am on Monday, December 3, 2012 in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Dr. John H. Mitchell who passed away on November 29, 2012 at his residence. Reverend Steve Horn, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lafayette, will conduct the funeral services. Burial will take place in Mount Zion Methodist Cemetery in Montgomery, LA. Dr. Mitchell, a resident of Lafayette, LA, was the son of the late Ed Mitchell and the former Lula Luther both of Winn Parish, Louisiana. He graduated from Atlanta High School in Atlanta, LA, received his Bachelor's of Science Degree, Masters Degree and earned his Phd degree all from Louisiana State University. He was a teacher at Winnfield High School, where he taught agriculture and biology. He served as supervisor in the Louisiana State Department of Education. He was then employed as a professor and later as head of the Department of Agriculture at Southwestern University, now U.L.L. He retired after 24 years. While at the University, he prepared his students to be successful teachers. He conducted short courses in their field of study to enhance their teaching skills, he secured teaching positions for his graduates and placed them in other related areas of work. He served as President of the State Louisiana Teachers' Association, now(LAE). He was a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Lafayette, LA, member of the Chamber of Commerce, Board member of the Louisiana Association of Retarded Citizens (LARC). He held membership in the Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi and many other organizations. He was a member of Louisiana Vocational Teachers of Agriculture, received the honorary farmer degree, received the Distinguished Service Award presented by the National FFA of America Association and received many other honors during his long teaching career in education. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Lafayette. He was an officer and company commander of the Winn Parish National Guard during the early stages of the Korean War. He was a World War II veteran having served in the 81First Infantry, Wildcat Division Rifle Company K on Peleliu Island in the South Pacific. He received the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge and several other medals. He is survived by his wife of 46 years; Louise McLawchlin Mitchell of Lafayette, LA; his twin daughters, Jana Mitchell Leroux and her husband Derek Leroux of Cumming, GA, Joan Mitchell Lee and husband Dr. Christopher Lee of Baton Rouge, LA; his grandchildren, Mitchell, Moss and Max Leroux, Jenna and John Lee; his brother, Roy D. Mitchell of Amite, LA; his sister in law, Hazel McLawchlin of Monroe, LA and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Leckie Mitchell Jennings, Lottie Mitchell McLauren Moss, Linnie Mae Shelton and his brother, Dr. Guy C. Mitchell. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette on Sunday, December 2, 2012 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm and continue Monday from 7:30 am until time service. Pallbearers will include Dr. Christopher Lee, Derek Leroux, Alan Mitchell, Jason Mitchell, Jimmy Shelton, and Glynn Shelton. Honorary Pallbearers will include Jeddie R. Hodges, Dr. Clarence Goleman, Dr. Arthur Franklin, and Dr. H. T. Garner. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to any veterans organization. Personal condolences may be sent to the Mitchell family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

John H. Mitchell

September 23, 1921 - November 29, 2012