Leland Cecil Mitchell

Obituary for Leland Cecil Mitchell, Jr.

Leland Cecil Mitchell, Jr., 83, of Dayton, Texas, passed away on December 9, 2024. Born on May 22, 1941, in Singer, Louisiana, to Leland Cecil Mitchell, Sr. and Gracie Sigers Mitchell, Leland lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to his family and friends.

Leland spent the last 41 years of his life in Dayton, but also had lived in Channelview, Beaumont, and DeQuincy, Louisiana. He began his career with Jefferson County Pct 1, where he worked for 19 years, before retiring many years later as a plant contractor with Austin Construction. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge, first in Pasadena and later in Liberty, and had a passion for fishing, old country music—especially George Jones—and visiting with friends over a cup of Seaport coffee.

Leland had a fondness for reading, particularly history books and those about George Jones, and enjoyed a bit of fun with scratch-off lottery tickets and occasional trips to the casino. He was known for his sense of humor and his love for entertaining, especially through cooking delicious BBQ or fish. He took pride in mowing his yard and often helped neighbors with theirs, exemplifying his generosity and spirit of community. Leland’s favorite meal was gumbo, especially when lovingly prepared by his wife of 53 years, Hellen, whose memory he cherished deeply.

Most importantly, Leland treasured the time spent with his grandchildren, and his love for them was one of the greatest joys of his life. He looked forward to reuniting with Hellen, his beloved wife, in the afterlife.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Gracie Mitchell, his wife Hellen Mitchell, and brothers Lloyd, Floyd, and Randall Mitchell. He is survived by his sons Doug Mitchell and wife Missy, Robert Mitchell, Darrel Mitchell and wife Liz, daughter Lurleen Eddleman and husband Lawrence, brothers Rodney Mitchell and wife Cheryl and Robert Mitchell, sister Darlene Hughes, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His surviving grandchildren include Meagan Croker and husband Daniel, Tara Hanel and husband William, Bradley, Gracie, and Sophie Mitchell, Monica Campbell and husband Morgan, Matthew Mitchell and wife Alice, Michael Mitchell, Branden Thompson, Anna Mitchell, Lara Schweitzer and husband Matt, and Tabby Eddleman. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Weston and Waylon Croker, Newt and Gus Hanel, Elliot and Nora Campbell, Helena Mitchell, and Luke Schweitzer.

The family would like to express special gratitude to Leland’s dear friends and neighbors, the Klimitchek and Burwell families, for their love and support over the years, as well as to his friends Khloe, Sabrina, Scott, Regina, Jamayne and Nena from Omnix Hospice.

A visitation for Leland will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by burial at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton. Pastor Scott Griffin will lead the service, and pallbearers will be Bradley Mitchell, Michael Mitchell, William Hanel, Jared Tankersly, Bradley Butcher, Daniel Croker, David Gallier, and Coleman McDowell. Honorary pallbearers include Frank Morris, Jim Datel, Edwin Psencik, Milo Griffith, Raymond Gallier, Alan Waldrop, Buddy Holbrook, Lawrence Eddleman, Jimmy Chandler, Paul Campbell and Mike Morgan.

Leland’s legacy of kindness, humor, and love for his family and friends will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.