Photo courtesy of Morrison Funeral Chapel, Inc. - Piedmont
Jun 25, 1950 - Dec 8, 2025
Richard and I were in the same graduating class of '68; he always had a smile on his face and a friendly greeting. It is my prayer for his family that their fondest memories will bring them peace.
Jennifer Nielsen
December 15, 2025 | Wichita, KS | Classmate
Richard and I grew up together on Mulberry Street and went all through school together. He was a great guy. Please accept my sympathy.
Robyn Puntch
December 13, 2025 | Ajijic Jalisco Mexico | Friend
Richard Lee Mitchell, age 75, a longtime resident of Patterson, passed away December 8, 2025 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. He was born June 25, 1950 in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Richard and Sarah (Newlin) Mitchell.
On September 27, 1997, he married Patricia (Froman) Mitchell in Patterson, and she preceded him in death on June 27, 2020.
Richard served his country for many years until his retirement with the United States Air Force, as a well decorated Law Enforcement Supervisor. He received many awards and medals including Air Force Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, Outstanding unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Short Tour and Long Tour Ribbon, Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Professional Military Education Graduation Ribbon, Small arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Survivors include 2 children; Linda Bullard and her husband Randy of O'Fallon, IL, Richard Mitchell of Benld, IL, 2 stepchildren; Sarah Kelley and her husband Stan of Des Arc, Aaron Whitmer and his wife Rebecca of Piedmont, 3 sisters; Chyrel Madden of Texas, Marce Wilson of North Carolina, and Jacqueline Stanley of Kansas.
Also surviving are 8 grandchildren; Trey (Mag E) Rivas, Madison Whitmer, Hayley Whitmer, Susannah Whitmer, Austin (Olivia) Mitchell, Abbie Mitchell, Aiden Mitchell, Kourtnee Bullard, 4 great grandchildren; Levi, Josie, Emersyn, and Crew, an honorary grandpa to Edison Waller, along with many other family and friends.
Visitation was held at 12:00 PM, December 13, 2025 at the Morrison Funeral Chapel in Piedmont. Funeral Services followed at 2:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home chapel with Pastor Marie Froman officiating.
Interment was held at 12:30 PM on Monday, December 15th at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis with full Military Honors.
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