Dr. Oliver Clayton Mitchell's Obituary
Funeral Services for Dr. Oliver Clayton Mitchell, 81, of Longview will be at 10 AM Saturday, May 23, 2009 at First United Methodist Church in Longview with Dr. Pat Sparks and Rev. David Lindwall officiating. Services are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Dr. Mitchell passed away on Saturday morning following a short battle with cancer. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.
Dr. Mitchell was born and raised in Jena, Louisiana. As a youth he was active in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduation from High School, Dr. Mitchell had a wide range of interesting occupations, which included working as a licensed mortician. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and upon his return, he worked in the oil fields of Louisiana. In 1951, he met and married Mary Elizabeth Johnston, "Libbye". Afterwards, he went back to school, attending Northeastern College in Monroe, Louisiana, and received a Doctorate of Medicine in New Orleans in 1960. Upon graduation he completed his internship and specialty training in Ear, Nose and Throat/Head and Neck Surgery in Shreveport, Louisiana.
The Mitchells chose to make Longview their home in 1966. Dr. Mitchell began his medical practice, serving patients in northeast Texas for the next 35 years. He was active in the Longview Medical Community, serving in various capacities. He worked towards the development of Longview Regional Hospital and was Chief of Staff at Good Shepherd Medical Center from 1980-1981. He was also involved in medical politics at the local, state and national level, serving for many years as a member of the Texas Medical Association Council on Legislation. In addition to his involvement in the medical community, Dr. Mitchell remained faithful to his roots as a Boy Scout. As an adult, he served on the East Texas Council of Scouting and for his ongoing work, he was awarded the coveted Silver Beaver Award. For years, Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell could be found at school and sporting events around Longview, enjoying their children's activities. Dr. Mitchell was also an avid golfer and in retirement could often be found at one of the area golf courses.
Dr. Mitchell was preceded in death by his wife, Libbye Mitchell. Those left to cherish his memory are his five children and their spouses; Mike and Beth Connors of Brooklyn, NY, Clay and Barrow Mitchell of Longview, Tedd and Janet Mitchell of Dallas, Mark and Susan Mitchell of Longview, and Jay and Elizabeth Mitchell of Longview; eleven grandchildren, Mike Connors, Lane and Olivia Mitchell, Katherine, Charlie and Chris Mitchell, Abby and Luke Mitchell, Molly, Will and Libby Mitchell.
The family request the memorial donations be made Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House, 5016 Gilmer Road, Longview, Texas 75604, or to the First United Methodist Church of Longview, 400 N. Fredonia St., Longview, Texas 75601.
A memorial guestbook may be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Dr. Oliver?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dr. Oliver?
Share a story where Dr. Oliver's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dr. Oliver you’ll never forget.
How did Dr. Oliver make you smile?