Lee Edwin Mitchell "Mitch", 85, of Richmond, Texas (formerly a 50 year resident of Bellaire, Texas), passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, at Oak Bend Hospital in Richmond, Texas with his family at his bedside. Mitch was born to Ida and Bennie Mitchell. He was born and raised in Weslaco, Texas. He attended Stephen F. Austin Elementary School, Weslaco Jr. High School, and Weslaco High School, graduating in 1951.
While attending Weslaco High School, Mitch played football and baseball, but he excelled in baseball. His senior year he was elected Captain of the baseball team. In 1952, he attended a tryout camp for an area professional baseball team, the Harlingen Capitols. He was signed to a contract after the tryouts. He later signed with the New York Yankees. He had an outstanding rookie year in the Yankee's minor league in 1952 and was invited to spring training with the Yankees in 1953.
He was then drafted into the military, where he served in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, the Korean Defense Medal, the United Nations Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was also awarded a letter of commendation from the commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division and the commanding General of I Corp. He then suffered a major injury which ended his professional baseball career. He was honorably discharged.
After serving his country, he returned home and took advantage of the G. I. Bill by enrolling in college. He attended one year at Texas A & I in Kingsville, Texas. He then transferred to North Texas State University in Denton, Texas where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1958.
He came to Houston in 1958 to work in the oil and gas industry. Houston was also where he met and married the love of his live, Elizabeth Ann Hruby, on October 17, 1959.
Mitch spent a total of 26 years in the oil industry. He worked for Cameron Iron Works and Anderson Greenwood & Company. He retired from that field in 1986. He then went to work for Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth for four years as a senior buyer. He returned to Houston and finished his working career. As a retiree, he worked at Oshmans Sporting Goods on Post Oak Blvd for 13 years. He was the fishing department manager. Through is retiree job, he met many of Houston's celebrities, professional baseball and football players when they were in town, even some movie stars that were in Houston shooting movies, most notably Sam Elliott.
He also had the distinction of serving some of Houston's most avid and top fishermen including President George H.W. Bush # 41. They became great friends.
He coached Bellaire Little League, Pony League, Colt League, and the Mickey Mantle League. He also loved going to Bellaire High School's baseball and volleyball games when his son, Scott, and granddaughter, Brittany, played respectively. He was a big supporter of the Bellaire baseball program.
Mitch loved fishing and hunting with his son, Scott, and many other friends. He loved his Texas Longhorns, the Oilers, the Texans, the Astros and, of course, the Yankees. He also loved his North Texas State's Mean Green football team. He was a history buff and patriot. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War and was honored in many ceremonies at his current residence, Del Webb Sweetgrass, Richmond, Texas. He, along with his family, visited Pearl Harbor the summer of 2016. He saluted the men at the Arizona Memorial and toured "Big Mo." He was crazy about Elvis, especially after touring Graceland.
Mitch was a member of the Purchasing Agents Association, Costal Conservation Association, and a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church where is was a member of the men's club.
His family was the love of his life. They were everything to him. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Mitch was a loving and compassionate husband, father, and grandfather. He had a loving, kind, and gentle soul.
Mitch was preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Bennie Mitchell, his brother, Bennie, Jr., his sister, June Rydl, and his grandchildren David Scott Mitchell (20 mos.) and Katie McCall Mitchell (13 mos.). He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Elizabeth Mitchell, his daughter, Debra Mitchell Bosse of Richmond (formerly of Bellaire), his son and daughter-in-law, Scott (Amy) of Amarillo. His beloved grandchildren BrittanyNoel Bosse of Los Angeles, CA, Jacob David Mitchell, Beau Christopher Mitchell, and Maggie McCall Mitchell of Amarillo, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Dignity Earthman Funeral Home, Stafford, Texas. Visitation Friday, January 19, 2018 from 5:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m.. Mass will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, 10:00 a.m., St. Michael's Church, 1801 Sage Rd., Houston, Texas 77056. Mass to be conducted by Father Wayne Wilkerson.
Private burial with military honors will be conducted at Forest Park Lawn Cemetary on Monday, 22, 2018, 2:00 p.m., Houston, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Wes Ryan, Jacob Mitchell, Beau Mitchell, Mike Hruby, John Moore, Scott Mitchell
Honorary Pallbearers will be 1974 Bellaire Little League baseball team – "Cubs" Regional Champions and 1951 Weslaco High School baseball team
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Wounded Warriors Project.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Earthman Southwest Funeral Home.
January 22, 2018
Philip Gerber
Lee will be greatly missed by his friends here at Sweetgrass. He always had a smile and it made my day when I saw him. Rather than thinking that he will be in a better place, I'm convinced that his presence will make it a better place. Rest in peace Lee.
January 21, 2018
Elaine Cartwright
So sorry to hear of the loss of another Sweetgrass neighbor. Enjoyed knowing the Mitchell family and seeing Lee walking the dog down our street. Loved seeing Liz and Lee dancing like two teenagers at all the dances at the Lakehouse that they were able to attend. Keeping the whole family in our prayers.
January 21, 2018
Charlotte and Doug Smith
So sorry to read of his death. It was obvious to all how much Love was shared by he and Liz.
January 21, 2018
Beverly Porche
John and I are so very sorry to hear of Mr. Lee's passing. We loved visiting with him. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
January 21, 2018
Bob Trotter
Liz, our condolences go to you and your family. Lee will be missed by the entire Del Webb Sweetgrass Veterans Club. He was looked up to for his service to our country in the Korean War. He was held in high regard by all of us that were fortunate to meet him and enjoy his sense of humor and good will towards all. We will so much miss him. Bob Trotter, Sweetgrass Veterans Club
January 19, 2018
I have lost a great friend which is pale in comparison to what Liz and his family have lost. Patsy and I are both sorry for your loss. Love, Jerry & Patsy
January 19, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss, Scott, but we honor your dad's life, and pray for you to have peace. We will be thinking of you and your family. Love, Glen & Sherry
January 19, 2018
Ron/Sharon
So sorry to hear the passing of Mitch. We will always remember him and his friendly manner and miss seeing him. Ron, Sharon and staff.
January 19, 2018
So sorry to hear this, Liz. Bless you and your family. Sara Ann
January 18, 2018
Janet J McKay
Sorry for your familie's loss.
January 18, 2018
Janice Havard
We have appreciated getting to know Mitch at our RELee class reunions. His devotion to Liz and his family has been remarkable. Our hearts are with Liz and all of his family at this time in their sadness.
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