Michael Levon Mitchell

He was raised by his grandfather, Neil Mitchell, on a farm alongside his siblings and cousins, an upbringing that shaped his values of hard work, responsibility, and family connection from an early age. From those beginnings, Levon demonstrated leadership, dependability, and a strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.

He graduated from Fairgrove High School in 1963, where he served as Senior Class Vice President and drove the school bus, already showing the dependability and character he was known for. Shortly after graduation, Levon relocated to Maryland with his brothers to begin a career in the drywall industry.

On February 14, 1964, he married the love of his life, Louise, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 62 years. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. Together they had two daughters, Leanna ('64) and Sondra ('69).

In 1978, Levon became an entrepreneur and business partner, co-founding Mitchell/McClung Drywall Inc. A skilled craftsman and respected leader in his field, he took great pride in his work and in teaching his trade to others. Over the years, he employed and mentored many family members, leaving a legacy not only of business success but of opportunity and knowledge passed down.

After the company concluded operations in the early 1990s, Levon continued independently, founding Levon Drywall, Inc., which he successfully operated until his retirement in 2016.

Levon was a devoted Christian, a loving father, and a strong head of household who set a powerful example of strength, discipline, and independence for his daughters.

Although Levon did not have a biological son, he formed a lasting father–son bond with his son-in-law, Brian, built on shared faith and guidance, which later returned through care and devotion.

In 1989, Levon, known as “Mike” became a Deacon at Landover Hills Baptist Church, where he faithfully served on the Deacon Ministry for nearly 30 years.

Throughout his life, Levon shared his love of fishing, camping, and motorcycle rides with family and friends. He formed strong bonds with his brothers in Christ at church, especially cherishing the time spent enjoying these hobbies together.

He loved traveling back to North Carolina several times a year to visit family and was equally known for his spontaneous visits to the homes of local relatives, always making time to stay connected.

At home, he found peace outdoors, spending countless hours working in the yard and taking pride in its beauty. Known for his stern presence for much of his life, Levon carried himself with quiet authority and discipline. The arrival of his grandchildren, however, revealed a softer side. With them, he could often be found outside teaching them how to ride their little cars or slingshots, creating moments filled with laughter and love.

Levon also had a deep love for music and a natural ear for sound. He taught himself how to play the guitar, casually playing at home simply for the joy of it. In 2001, he joined the Handbells Ministry at church, later transitioning to the tambourine in his later years, where he never missed a beat.

In these later years, Levon was known for his warm smile and quick, funny comebacks that brought laughter to the care staff at his assisted living community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eula Mae Mitchell-Locklear and June Locklear; his step-parents, Lacy Locklearand Geneva Locklear; his brothers, Lawrence Mitchell and James Edward Jones; and his sisters, June Gail Locklear and Joyce Allen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Marie Mitchell; his daughters, Sondra Mitchell Diggs and Leanna Mitchell Watson; sons-in-law, Brian Diggs and Pat Watson; and granddaughters, Jazmine Diggs and Celina Diggs.

He is also survived by his siblings Richard McClung, Mark McClung, Edna Wood, Wanda Davis, Leo McKeithan, Judith Locklear, Jeannie Jones, Ellen Edwards, and Jimmy Locklear, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

A man of strong faith, Levon loved the Lord and lived his life in service to Him. On January 16, 2026, at the age of 82, Levon peacefully went home and now rests in God’s eternal peace, with joy. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.