Lawrence Mitchell

Lawrence Mitchell, 89, Altus, passed away at his home, Sunday, August 14, 2011. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 18, 2011 at the Kincannon Memorial Chapel with Al Davis and Mike Tolle officiating. Burial will follow at the Granite City Cemetery under the direction of the Kincannon Funeral Home. Lawrence Crawford Mitchell was born to Thomas Houston and Jennie (McSwain) Mitchell on April 9, 1922 in Johnson County, Arkansas. He graduated school from Lake Creek High School in 1941. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1945, when he completed his service he was ranked as Coxswain. He and Marie Wright were married on August 14, 1947 in Wellington, TX. She preceded him in death on March 18, 1994. Lawrence worked at the Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite, working as a Correctional Officer for 31 years before retiring in March of 1984 as a “Major.” He was a member of the Granite Masonic Lodge #164, as well as a member of the First Christian Church in Altus. He enjoyed being the coach for the kids baseball team in Granite. He also loved to travel and fish. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Derris and Truman; two sisters, Farrel and Leita; and a son-in-law, Kerry McElroy. He is survived by his life partner, Marie Craft of Altus, OK; a daughter, Anna Marie McElroy of Deerfield, KS; a son, Larry Mitchell and wife, Cheryl, of May, TX; a step- daughter, Kim Burley and husband, Jeff, of Altus, OK; a step- son, Ken Ward of Altus, OK; four grandchildren; Amanda Johnson and husband, Josh, of Junction City, KS, Jeff McElroy of Madison, WI, Lance Mitchell and wife, Karah, of Muskogee, OK, and Jennifer Clark and husband, Jason, of Muskogee, OK; two step-grandchildren, James and Jake Ward, both of Weatherford, TX; six great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.