Ward Samuel Mitchell Sr.

Ward Samuel Mitchell Sr, 72, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024, at his home. He was born on Wednesday, March 21, 1951, in Newton, Kansas, to Leonard Leroy and Wilma Ann Phillips Mitchell.

Ward declared his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, uniting with the Second Missionary Baptist Church in Hutchinson, Kansas. After accepting a job in Texas, he continued to serve at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, Texas.

In his youth, Ward was a standout both academically and athletically. Ward attended Lincoln Elementary School and graduated from Newton High School in 1969. Ward's athletic prowess was evident in his remarkable talent for baseball, basketball, and football. Ward continued his education at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas, transferring to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.

Ward possessed the potential to be a professional athlete, however, he chose instead to work. He was an outstanding bowler, an avid sportsman, and an unofficial statistician. The young men in the neighborhood looked up to him and called him “Big Brother.” Ward was also affectionately referred to by his family as “Little Brother” “Big Guy” “Bigman” and “Uncle Wardie.”

He later returned to Newton, Kansas. Where he met and married Deborah A. Jones and through this union, one child was born. He later united in marriage to Gloria L. McConnell and their union yielded four children.
Professionally, Ward dedicated 35 years of service to Targa Resources Corporation in the Natural Gas field before retiring in 2018.

Ward was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for music, enjoying a wide variety of genres throughout his life. Ward also enjoyed good food and good times. He cherished moments spent with family and friends, always bringing joy and laughter wherever he went. Additionally, he enjoyed gardening and sharing his harvest with others. Ward was a warrior as well throughout the later portion of his life, he fought valiantly against illness, finding solace and strength in his love for music and the support of his family and friends.

Ward leaves to cherish his memory, four sons, Ward S. Mitchell, Jr., Jacob A. (Shanell) Mitchell, Emmanuel L. Mitchell, Nathan A. (Jada) Mitchell; a daughter, Stephanie E. Mitchell; three granddaughters, Lana Mitchell, Malia Mitchell and Jordyn Mitchell; five siblings, Mary L. Myrick, Patricia A. Mitchell, Leonard L. (Weslee) Mitchell, William F. (Dana) Mitchell, Elmira Mitchell-Everett; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He will be dearly missed but forever remembered for his strength, kindness, and unwavering faith.