Larry B Mitchell

Larry B. Mitchell - beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend - passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2026, at the age of 75, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He faced it with strength, resilience, and his sense of humor. He went from being known as the Silver Fox to, in his words, re-naming himself a bald eagle.

Larry was born on June 1, 1951, in Coalville, Utah, to LaMarva (Simpson) Mitchell and Willard (Bill) Mitchell. In January 1958, his family moved to California, where they eventually settled in Encinitas. He grew up surrounded by adventure, often exploring the area on his bike and enjoying the simple pleasures of childhood, sometimes helping himself to oranges and watermelon from neighborhood gardens. He attended school in California and graduated from San Dieguito Union High School in 1969.

As a young boy, Larry met Bob Brummel, who introduced him to the wonderful world of racing homing pigeons, which became his lifelong passion. For over 50 years, he enjoyed breeding/raising, and racing homing pigeons, building lasting friendships within the community. He generously shared his knowledge and time raising birds for new flyers and helping them build their pigeon lofts. Larry had a remarkable ability to fix or build just about anything.

Larry was drafted into the Army, serving from January 1971 to December 1972. Bob Brummerl, being the second father that he was, strongly persuaded him to get on the bus for basic training instead of going to Canada. While he was serving in the Army in Vietnam, his family moved back to Utah. While home on leave, Larry married Pam Middleton, and together they had two children- Mark and Julie. They later divorced.

After his honorable military service, Larry completed auto mechanic training at Salt Lake Community College. Larry was an incredibly gifted mechanic who worked for several car dealerships, including Hayes Brothers Buick, and then retired from Ken Garff Hyundai in June 2021. He was known for his ability to diagnose car problems, even over the phone, for friends and family.

He met Debbie Call on February 12, 1980, through Parents Without Partners. They were married on September 27, 1980, in Salt Lake City and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on December 12, 1981. Together, they raised six wonderful children, Mark, Jared, Julie, Brandon, Robert, and Larry, and built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work.

More than anything, Larry loved his family. His steady presence, quiet service, and unwavering faith will leave a lasting impact on all who knew him. Larry had a deep and abiding love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, and was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings throughout his life, including Scout leader, nursery worker, Sunday School teacher, and counselor in two bishoprics. He especially loved working with the young single adults.

He loved helping his children and grandchildren with building projects or working on cars. He would often offer his ideas on how things should be done, whether they requested them or not. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends at gatherings and celebrations.

Larry will be deeply missed every day and fondly remembered for his quiet strength, kindness, deep faith, willingness to help anyone with any task, and, of course, his fun sense of humor, which remained during his cancer treatments. He liked checking in for his doctor's appointments using funny names. He leaves behind his family and many friends who love him deeply.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Debbie, and their six children: Mark Mitchell Crowe (Amber), Jared Ferguson (Ani), Julie Mitchell Crowe Holtkamp (Tim), Brandon Ferguson (Stephanie), Robert Mitchell (Katrina), and Larry Mitchell. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Makenzie, Dayton, Riley, Cody, Milaena, Mason, Oskar, Otto, Azpyn, Jax, Kaylee, and Carson, as well as two adopted grandchildren, Lazaro and Jocelyn, and lastly, his best friend, Dennis Branham. He is also survived by his brother, Marv Mitchell (Rhonda), Jay Mitchell (Linda), and his sister, Linda Lambeth (Tony). Larry was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Leslie Mitchell, and his in-laws.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18th, 2026, at 11:30. A viewing will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the LDS Church house, 12232 S 2700 W, Riverton, Utah.

The services can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Bp1Ut9oso

In lieu of flowers, please do a kind deed and pay it forward to someone in need.