Howard Wayne Mitchell

Howard was born on February 6, 1947, to Harlen and Marion Mitchell in Wharton, Texas. After graduating from Robert E. Lee High School, San Antonio, in 1965, Howard went on to party too hard at San Antonio College, which led him to enlist in the U.S. Army and serve in the Vietnam War.

Howard was honorably discharged in 1970 after four years in the service, including one year (1968-1969) of combat duty. He was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and left the military as a Captain. He enrolled in Texas State University. Second time’s the charm and he graduated in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement.

After reconnecting at a gathering of friends in San Antonio, Texas, Howard and Pat married on May 19, 1973. They went on to have only one child, Laura Mitchell-Brewer, who was the light of their lives.

Howard worked for the Texas Department of Corrections for twenty years before retiring and assuming the role of “stay-at-home parent extraordinaire”. He filled his days with volunteering at Laura’s schools, gardening, golfing, and fishing with his brothers and friends. Once his daughter went off to college, Howard volunteered for 11 years at Towne West Elementary School where he enriched the lives of many.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Harlen and Marion.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years, Dr. Patricia Shupp Mitchell, daughter, Laura Mitchell-Brewer, son-in-law Tyler Brewer, Brothers William Larry Mitchell (and wife Beth Tabor), and Terry Lee Mitchell (and wife Rhonda Mitchell) as well as a large group of extended family and close friends. We will miss him more than words can convey.