In Memoriam : Ralph Mitchell

Ralph Mitchell Ralph Mitchell - age: 76
(January 26, 1935 to October 29, 2011 )
Resident of Haworth, Oklahoma

Obituary:
Ralph M. Mitchell passed from this life in Idabel on the twenty-ninth of October, two thousand and eleven. He returned to his birthplace at Tom in 1976 after a military career spanning more than 20 years of active service as an intelligence officier in the Air Branch of the U.S. Navy. Commander Mitchell flew 167 combat missions over Vietnam during four tours of duty. After retiring from the navy, he managed the Richman farm and ranch in Tom. He served on the School Board at Tom, the Water Board in Haworth, and on the Soil Conservation Board from 1989 to the present. He represented our area farmers and ranchers on the Red River Flood Control Board.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Minnie Mitchell, and his son, William Russell Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife; Ramona, three daughters; Michele, Carla and Melinda, two sons-in-law; Dr. Walt Frey and Captain Gene Summerlin, three grandchildren; Katy Jacquelin Summerlin, Emily Elizabeth Frey and Mitchell Caleb Frey. two sisters; Mary Mitchell Phiffer and Ruth Mitchell Bergerson, two nieces; Christal Phiffer Prince and Vicki Halliday.

Graveside memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the Tom Cemetery with Donna Mann officiating. The family will receive friends immediately after the service at the Tom Senior Citizens Center.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ralph's humorous outlook on life and strong political convictions, please feel free to make contributions to whoever may be running against Obama in 2012.





Robert Then - November 5, 2011Contact this person Contact this person
Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. Ralph was not only a great patriot and had a fabulous family, but was one of the best NFO's I've ever had the pleasure of flying with. It was wonderful that we had those great reunions the past few years especially the last one in Tulsa. Our future reunions won't be the same without Ralph. I pray the Lord's peace for both Remona and Carla and the rest of the family as they cope with their loss. Bob Then


Douglas Horne - November 7, 2011Contact this person Contact this person
Dear Ramona, Michele, Carla, and Melinda, I am very sorry to hear the passing or Mr. Mitchell. I have nothing but the fondest of memories visiting your family in Tom (however seldom that may have been these past several years). We all have memories (I like to think of them as "highlight reels") that we can look back to that will put a smile on our face, and the several visits that I made to your home in Tom are some of the best that I have. Playing with the dogs, going out for some shooting, riding the dirt bikes, hanging out on the lake, eating your chicken dumplings (it's been awhile, but how could I forget that?) or just listening to all of the stories that you never get exposed to living in the city (if that makes any sense). The old Navy stories that my dad and Mr. Mitchell would chat about were priceless as well. Puts a smile on my face right now just remembering those times. R.I.P. Mr. Mitchell. Thank your for your service to this great country of ours, and for all the great memories and stories that you gave me and my brother. Per your wishes, I will do my part to make sure that we get a real President in office very soon. Love, Doug Horne


Becky Vandervoort-Ponton - January 7, 2012Contact this person Contact this person
Dear Mrs. Mitchell, Michele, Carla & Melinda, I'm sorry to have just learned of Mr. Mitchell's passing. I will never forget the love and kindness he showed toward me during that time of great sorrow in our lives, and it is my prayer that you will feel God's peace and comfort, knowing that you will one day be reunited with both Mr. Mitchell and Russ. Love, Becky