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BORN
1935
DIED
2013
Leon Mitchell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Leon Mitchell
Sponsored by the Star-Telegram.
Nancy K. Altaras
July 18, 2023
What a remarkable man with a thirst for knowledge, who knows what else he would have done or known in his life!
David Biegel
January 3, 2017
Mr. Mitchell was my Government teacher at Eastern Hills High School. He was our Student Government sponsor and did A LOT of mentoring a couple of generations of EHHS students. Because of him, I got to go to Boys State in Austin and from that, I was selected to attend Boys Nation in Washington D.C. Incredible experiences all. Thank you for devoting your life to developing young minds. May Mr. Mitchell Rest In Peace!
David Biegel
Student Body President
EHHS Class of 1977
Annette & Stanley McFarland
August 9, 2013
We patrolled with Leon many years. He was a trooper. What a greats loved man. Rest in peace Leon. We love you!
Annette & Stanley McFarland
Mary Martin Wellington
August 7, 2013
Marvelous Mr. Mitchell was my homeroom teacher from 82-85 and, of course, my government teacher. He was a wonderful man who truly cared about his students. He helped to make high school memorable and enjoyable for me. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I know he's watching over all of us now as he did all those years he was our teacher.
Sharon Harrison Bolding
July 30, 2013
I had Mr. Mitchell for government my senior year (1975). I can close my eyes and remember him sitting on the edge of his desk teaching. He was a wonderful teacher and I count myself privileged to have know him. Thank you Mr. Mitchell for your service at EHHS.
Sean Schemmel EHHS '87
July 28, 2013
There are teachers who teach well, and those you never forget, and there are those rare teachers who do both- Marvelous Mr. Mitchell was one of those teachers. I only had him for one class for one semester- economics, but he was a teacher who I was even talking about a few days before his passing. I'll admit I wasn't a good student. I honestly didn't learn much about economics from him. But that was entirely my fault. The reason I am writing, however, is to point out what I feel is the more important quality he had which is paramount to being an excellent teacher- his ability to deal with bad students like me. He never lost his cool no matter how disruptive I or any other student was. He didn't send us to the principal or out in the hall. He just kept teaching. He did his very best to make us gen-xers interested in the subject matter, despite mine and others rampant cases of ADHD. And his class ended up becoming a welcome respite from some of the other mundane classes I had where teachers had clearly given up on their students. He was, as they say, as constant as the northern star, and his understated perseverance to teach regardless of the storm that was thrown about him by me and other students is what I realize all these years later as a subtle beautiful expression of passion- and though his intent may have not been to teach me that, that is what I learned from him...May He Rest In Perfect Peace.
Rhonda Russell Grundy EHHS '75
July 25, 2013
Mr. Mitchell was a wonderful teacher. I have vivid memories of activities in both his government and sociology classes. I remember that as Student Council sponsor he had a tradition of having members be Secret Pals to the teachers. He never got gifts or goodies since he oversaw the assignments. A couple of my friends and I started putting little tokens in his mailbox and would watch for him to collect them. I don't think he ever found out who his "secret" pals were, but he always seemed so tickled and surprised to get a gift. He was the epitome of a good teacher, and it saddens me to know that he is gone.
Chris Chaney
July 25, 2013
He was a great teacher and my homeroom teacher. I was fortunate to have been under his tutelage. He truly cared about his students.
July 25, 2013
Good teacher. Even tried to connect with the kids who didn't really want to be there...like me.
Connie (Harmon) Darby EHHS 68
July 25, 2013
Thank you for being that Special teacher that inspired students whether they realized it or not. You made this world a much better place!
Nancy Altaras
July 25, 2013
Sad to see another person, who graduated from good ol' A. H. H. S. pass away. Gone too soon, but I know God and Jesus have him in their hearts, and will have a special place in heaven for him too.
July 25, 2013
Like so many others, I was blessed by having Leon Mitchell for a teacher. Years later when we worked together at FWISD, he remembered my name and the names of other students in my Government class.
I pray we enriched his life as much as he did ours.
May you rest in peace, Mr. Mitchell. You truly made a difference in this world.
Jane Blanton Cumbie, EHHS Class of'66
Erika Roy-Finney
July 25, 2013
Marvelous Mr. Mitchell, I learned so much about a subject for which I didn't understand the existence until I enrolled in and graduated from college...economics and government. You truly made learning in these two classes an awesome experience. Thank you and my classmates will never forget you. Eastern Hills HS Class of 1989.
Shawn Cowan
July 25, 2013
Mr. Mitchell was one of those teachers you heard about as a freshman from the upperclassman that you just couldn't wait have. He dedicated his life to his students and inspired so many. I am glad to have been his student. (Class of '89) Thank you for all you gave to us.
July 25, 2013
Thank you Mr. Mitchell! You made class and school fun. I still remember you when I hear about a widget. :)
Lee Daniel Class of 1989
July 25, 2013
Mr. Mitchell, I was honored to have you as a teacher circa 1962-1963. You made a impression in my life as in many others I am sure. Glenn R. (Ricky) Pelham.
Brad Dickey
July 24, 2013
Marvelous Mr Mitchell, you are one of those teachers that students remember the rest of their lives you inspired us all. I am thankful to have learned from you. RIP.
Brad Class of '89
Robert Murphy
July 24, 2013
Thank you so much Leon, for sparking in me, a love for history and the real worth of it's study. Class of 1965 EHHS
Jennifer Dec-Thompson
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell you inspired your students to learn. You, sir, are an Excellent Example for Educators. The triple E's are in your honor. May you rest in peace.
Suggie Luke Dick
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell taught us so much at EHHS. May God bless him and his family. Thank you Mr. Mitchell. You were a special teacher.
Karen (Adams) Holck
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell was my favorite teacher in high school. I loved the little nicknames he called each of us as he returned our papers. His teaching style encouraged us to form opinions on political matters, something I'd never given much thought to, but what I still remember to this day. Thank you, Mr. Mitchell for encouraging me to think on my own. RIP dear teacher, you will be missed.
judy smyers-lankton
July 24, 2013
he gave so much to so many..thank you sir for sharing and teaching us..fly with the angels..
judy smyers lankton
Odette Girouard Muller
July 24, 2013
Marvelous Mr. Mitchell. What an excellent educator and individual. He was my favorite teacher at Eastern Hills.
Ralph Hill
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell ("Leon") was a great teacher. I enjoyed talking to him at one of our recent class reunions that some of the former teachers attended! He even got me interested in participating, to some extent, in student government.
RIP Mr. Mitchell.
~ Ralph Hill, EHHS '66
Karyn Jones
July 24, 2013
I patrolled in the citizens on patrol with Leon for several years. He was so sweet. He would set up his car so the back seat had a bench built in the floor board so my dogs could lounge and patrol with us. They loved him as much as I did. I'm saddened to hear of this world's loss. My deepest sympathies to the Mitchell family
jennifer harrison
July 24, 2013
You will be missed so much Mr Specile Leon Mitchell you will always be in our hearts.We all love you.. JenniferHarrison class of 87
Chris Simons
July 24, 2013
Mr Mitchell stands out as one of the best teachers I had. He inspired in me a love of government and history that continues to this day. He taught us to be tolerant to all opinions and I looked forward to his government class every day. He made learning not only fun but made it relevant to all. Truely a great teacher. Chris Chamberlain Simons Class of '68
Kelley Wilson Hostler
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell was one of my teachers. He was always patient with the students and a kind man. He also registered me as a voter when I turned 18.
Linda Littlejohn Sanders
July 24, 2013
He made us notice the world around us, and have a say in it. He would register students to vote in his class, and I registered the maximum number of days before my 18th birthday so I could be registered in time to vote in the primaries.
When former students visited him during our class time, he turned them into a discussion panel for discussing different types of colleges...and we were tested on it the next day. He turned every situation into a teachable moment.
He gave me $20 to buy a Christmas tree for our class. Back then (1975-6), $20 would buy a 5-foot Douglas fir, the stand to hold it, and a box of ornaments to go on it. I don't think any other classroom had their own tree.
I remember Mike Moncrief, who was judge at the time, was invited to speak to our class. He later became mayor. Mr. Mitchell allowed us to invite lots of people in prominent positions, including the daughter of my pastor, so we could hear many different viewpoints.
Mr. Mitchell had something wrong with his eye. He could be talking to you, but it looked like he was looking at someone over your shoulder. I think every conversation I had with him, I turned around to see who, or what, was behind me. Nothing ever was.
He was easily the hardest teacher I ever had in high school. I was a good student, and usually made high grades without much studying at all. But in his class, I was indignant that I had studied five whole hours for a test and only earned a B! However, he prepared me for college where I studied for thirteen whole hours for a test and only earned a B.
Mr. Mitchell, thank you for expecting excellence, and helping us draw the best out of ourselves.
Linda Littlejohn Sanders (Class of 1976)
Becky Oliver
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell was such a wonderful teacher and person. It does not surprise me one bit that one of the places he requested any donations be made is to the EHHS student council. He was a wonderful student council sponsor and loved taking pictures at any and all school events. Thank you for recording our memories, challenging us to learn and grow as individuals, and for being such an amazing person.
Becky Barron Oliver - Class of 89
Judy Bryant
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell took a personal interest in each and every one of his students. He was known for the doghouse drawn on his chalkboard, where your name would appear if you had erred in some way; for the personal notes he wrote to students, complimenting exceptional deeds and efforts (I still mine); and for the nicknames he gave each of us. Through his teachings I developed a love of local history, which I have passed on to my own children. Mr. Mitchell helped inspire me to become an educator. He was truly one of a kind. Rest in peace, Mr. Mitchell.
Judy Cauble Bryant, EHHS '81
Dorothy Weatherby Spriggs
July 24, 2013
You were loved and respected by so many at Eastern Hills High School. Your integrity and brilliance was presented to all. You were and are so appreciated! Thank you for being on our planet.
Vicki Morris Hicks
July 24, 2013
Mr Mitchell is one teacher I have never forgotten and have thought about many times over the years. He had such an impact on so many students and I liked him a great deal.
Jim and Ingeborg Dunlap
July 24, 2013
Leon was our next door neighbor for quite some time. He was one of our best volunteers for the Ridglea North Citizens On Patrol (RNCOP) and put in several hours patrolling the neighborhood and participating in the COP functions we had within Fort Worth, TX. He will be missed but now he is at peace with his Higher Power.
Susan Pritchett
July 24, 2013
Leon was one of the most generous men, sharing his many hours of dutiful research in local history, especially the history of all education in Tarrant County. He was a wonderful mentor to me as archivist for Tarrant County...always giving way more than he received. He was a blessing to so many. I will miss him greatly. Susan Pritchett
Joe Meadows
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell made government interesting at Eastern Hills. He was a fine man and had a genuine interest in his students. RIP Mr. Mitchell.
Mike Vondrasek
July 24, 2013
What can you say...Mr. Mitchell was one of "those" teacher. He inspired his students to learn. He made them feel good about themselves. He made them love the learning process. There are few teacher like him. We are all blessed to have known him and the world is a poorer place without him. He will be sorely missed.
Derick Stepp
July 24, 2013
A wonderful teacher and a great role model.
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell always had something encouraging and motivating to say. He would write such sweet notes on my papers for me to show my parents and I still have some of these! Sincere condolences to the Mitchell.
Missy Morrell Peters - Class of '78
Melissa Peabody-Wilson
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell was one of a kind! He taught us to think for ourselves, to debate and consider other perspectives with respect, how government 'really' works, the importance of history and its impact on the present.
But most importantly he made every student know they were special and had something unique to contribute as evidenced by the individual nicknames he gave each of us.
"If I may - I'd like to JUMP!"
God Speed Mr. Mitchell!!
Denise Lawlis-Moore
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell was such a positive influence on me as a student. His classes were not easy but he made you want to learn and do your best. He told me that based on my writing, he felt like I had at least one good novel in me. When I write that book, I will dedicate it to him. Denise Lawlis-Moore, EHHS class of 1974
Nick Loesch
July 24, 2013
He was my inspiration to get a degree in Government from UTA, (formerly Arlington State College). A fine gentleman and an excellent teacher. He was one of my all-time favorites and absolutely one of the best teachers I had. RIP Mr. Mitchell
George Johnson
July 24, 2013
"In our sleep, pain which we cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God" - It is this knowledge Mr. Mitchell graced me with. He as forever inspired my world. Thank you Leon
Carole Lozoff
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell was my history teacher at Eastern Hills in 1963. The first day of class he introduced himself and said we could remember his name because this class was going to be like the last 4 letters of his name. Fifty years later I still remember that unique introduction but the important thing is this. Mr. Mitchell was tough and no nonsense, but I learned a lot in his class and isn't that the true purpose of teaching.
Kim Garrett (Smith)
July 24, 2013
You made this very insecure teenager feel like I could be something some day. Your kind words lifted me up and I am forever grateful to you.
Kim, Class of '89
David Doyle
July 24, 2013
RIP Mr. Mitchell you were a great teacher and a nice man.
David Doyle
Corey Cooper
July 24, 2013
Mr Mitchell taught us to ask questions, to think, and to reason for ourselves. I haven't seen him since we graduated in 1979 but seldom a week goes by when I don't think about something that can be traced back to one of his classes. God bless Mr. Mitchell. You are already missed.
John Wachtel, EHHS Class of '87
July 24, 2013
Mr. Mitchell made government classes fun and interesting, and treated students with respect. He was a unique man with a passion for teaching and he possesed a great sense of humor. He will always be remembered for his legendary annual class assignment of memorizing and writing the Preamble to the United States Constitution, where he allowed to students to use the Schoolhouse Rock song dedicated to that topic "as long as you don't sing out loud." :) Mr. Mitchell was obviously a great asset to Fort Worth and he will be missed.
Raymond Daniel
July 24, 2013
Leon Mitchell was the best teacher that I ever had. He inspired students and encouraged their participation in politics and in the community. He cared about all of his students.
Renee-Johnson Robertson
July 24, 2013
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Leon Mitchell at EHHS for both government and sociology. He was a wonderful man and teacher. May he rest in peace.
Elisa Cole
July 23, 2013
What a great man my friend Leon was! Our time knowing each other was relatively short, but the impact made on my life by him was great. My deepest sympathy to his cherished family.
Donna Littlejohn Moore
July 23, 2013
Your light will shine eternally in the hearts and minds of your former students. Thank you for being an influential teacher to so many students.
Forever Highlanders!
hugh parmer
July 23, 2013
It was an honor to be able to honor Leon for his dedication to his students back in 1977.
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