Thomas H. Mitchell

Tom Mitchell, 73, passed away on March 27, 2013 in Midland, Texas. Tom was born on January 29, 1940 in Independence, Kansas to parents Anna Daniels and Elvyn Ellis Mitchell. Tom served in the U.S. Army for three years being stationed in France. After arriving back stateside, he began working for NL Baroid in the Logging Department for 5 years and then transferred to Baroid’s Drilling Fluids Department. Tom and Beth were married in Casper, Wyoming June 19, 1971, after which Tom was transferred to Vernal, Utah for 4 years before moving to Midland in 1975. With the training Tom and Beth both had working for Baroid, they started their own company West Texas Drilling Fluids, Inc. in February 1986, which became United Drilling Fluids, LLC in 2005. Tom was still active in the day-to-day operations of United Drilling Fluids, LLC until December 31, 2012. Tom was a 32⁰ Master Mason and belonged to Midland Masonic Lodge No. 623, El Paso Scottish Rite Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star Norman Read Chapter #1010, Society of Petroleum Engineers and American Association of Drilling Engineers. Tom and Beth organized and began the Scottish Heritage Society of the Permian Basin in 1996 which became the Celtic Heritage Society of the Permian Basin in 2002.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Heather Lynne Mitchell of Midland, and brother Melvyn Mitchell of Kansas.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years Beth Mitchell, and grandchildren Genna Leigh Anne Mitchell of Moran, Kansas and Andrew Thomas Mitchell of Midland, brothers Loren Mitchell and wife Bobbie, Carl Lee Mitchell and wife Elanie and Wayne Mitchell, sisters Theda Pentlin and Linda Simpson all of Kansas.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Midland on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 3:00pm with Reverend Steve Schorr officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to First Presbyterian Church Mission Fund, 800 West Texas Avenue, Midland, TX 79701; Hospice of Midland, 911 West Texas Street, Midland, TX 79701; or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.