John Earl Mitchell, son of Joseph H. and Edna McCartor Mitchell, was born on October 12, 1923. He was raised on the family farm west of Arnett. Earl attended Star Country School through eighth grade. Then he attended Arnett High School and graduated in 1942. He worked on the family farm until volunteering for the Army Air Corps in 1943 and he served to 1946. After his return from military service he married Lavina Hanan on April 28, 1946. They lived on a farm west of Arnett where they raised their two children, Carol Ann and William Earl. Earl was baptized and was a faithful Christian. He was a member of the Arnett Church of Christ and was a song leader for over 35 years. Earl worked hard as a farmer and dairyman. He loved tractors and farm machinery and was a very gifted machinist. Earl continued farming until 2006. In 1978 Earl was elected as Commissioner of Ellis County District #3. He held this office for the next 16 years retiring in 1994. He was well known for the integrity with which he conducted county business. In 2009 Earl had a bridge in Ellis County dedicated in his honor to commemorate his service as commissioner. In 2000, Earl and Lavina moved from the family farm to their residence in Arnett. Earl always strived to do his best at whatever he was doing. He was a member of the American Legion and the Arnett Kiwanis Club. He was honored when the Kiwanis made his own parking spot and access to the Kiwanis' building. He was a lifelong Republican who relished discussions with Democrats. Earl was preceded in death by his parents as well as his best friend and brother, J. Willis. He was also preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Georgia Mitchell and a brother-in-law, Jack Sibley He leaves to mourn his passing his wife of 63 years, Lavina; daughter, Carol Ann Wieland and husband Curt Wieland of Buffalo, OK and son, William Earl of Arnett, OK. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and wife Clifford and Maebelle Hanan of Woodward, OK, brother-in-law and wife L.V. and Wanda Hanan of Arnett, OK and sister-in-law, Norma Sibley of Denton, TX. He is also survived by 8 nieces, 5 nephews, other relatives and many friends.