SPRING HILL — Steven Rex Mitchell passed away peacefully in his home on March 23, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He fought a 5-year long battle with Alzheimer’s but consistently did things his own way and proved time over time that he was still here until the very end. Born on April 12, 1957, in Hugoton, Kan., Steve was the son of Clark Mitchell II and Shirley Creamer. He spent his formative years in Great Bend, Kan., where he created lifelong memories and friendships.
During his time in Great Bend, Steve met his wife, Denise (Reed) Mitchell. Steve pursued his education with determination and pride, graduating from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor of Science in geosciences. He furthered his studies at Oklahoma State University, earning a degree in hydrology.
Steve dedicated his professional life to managing environmental risks and ensuring compliance of environmental regulations. He worked as a geologist and senior environmental specialist, holding jobs with several distinguished companies including Mitchell Geological Services, Ground Water Technology, Layne Western, Enron, Northern Natural Gas, Energy Transfer and Panhandle Eastern.
Steve was a passionate sports fan. While his daughters were growing up, he was at every single game, either coaching or in the stands. As they got older, they loved attending Royals games together at Kauffman Stadium. He was a proud stock owner of the Green Bay Packers and enthusiastically cheered on the Kansas City Chiefs. KU Men’s Basketball was always on the TV when they were playing. In addition to being a dedicated spectator, riding his Harley to Sturgis, South Dakota with his brother and friends was an annual event he would not miss. He was a practiced craftsman as well and had a fully equipped woodshop where he often built furniture for his family.
Steve was always cracking a joke or working to get a laugh. On Friday nights, you could catch him with a Bud Light, spending time with his friends and family. He lit up when his grandchildren entered the room. Steve’s drive for success, ability to work hard and to overcome challenges are traits that he instilled in his family. He was dependable, encouraging, supportive, and incredibly loyal; the perfect husband, father and grandfather.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Shirley Mitchell. He is survived by his wife, Denise Mitchell, of Spring Hill, Kan.; daughters Mallory (Michael) Martinez and Mellany (Joseph) Chadwell, of Olathe, Kan.; grandchildren Makaily, Maxlyn, and Mayer Martinez, and Brynleigh and Brexton Chadwell, of Olathe, Kan.; and his brother Clark “Burt” (Julie) Mitchell III, of Great Bend, Kan. He is also survived by extended family members and friends who will forever hold him in their hearts.
For what would have been Steve’s 68th birthday, we will be remembering him and celebrating his life. Please join us on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The 180 Room, 11944 S Strang Line, Olathe, KS 66062.
We will forever miss Steve’s laughter and smile.
As a meaningful alternative to flowers, please consider spending a day of service volunteering or donating to The Deeper Window Association in memory of Steve. Moreover, a Memorial Fund has been set up in Steve’s name: https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/steve-mitchell-memorial-fund.
Funeral arrangements provided by
McGilley and Frye Funeral Home
105 E. Loula Street
Olathe, KS 66061
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 5, 2025
