1921-2024
E. Olen Mitchell, 103, died peacefully December 24, 2024, at Hester Care Center, Hutchinson. He was born December 9, 1921, in Stuart, OK, to Kenneth Troy and Pearl (Buck) Mitchell.
Olen moved to Hutchinson when he was 17 years old. In 1943, he was drafted into the United States Army, and sent to Sicily, Italy, after 16 weeks of training. While in Italy, Olen was clearing out a railroad tunnel, when he was hit by a bullet in his jaw and mouth. After spending nine months in the hospital, Olen was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Combat Infantry Man Badge, along with several more medals and service ribbons. He was honorably discharged, in 1946. In March 2024, Olen was selected to attend the 80th anniversary of D-Day, in Normandy France. It was the trip of a lifetime for Olen.
Upon returning to Hutchinson, after serving in the military, Olen eventually became the owner and president of Mitchell Oil Company. Following his retirement and sale of his business, Olen was a faithful 22-year employee of Elliott Mortuary. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68 and attended Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hutchinson.
Above all, Olen was a devoted husband, brother, uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle, great-great-great-uncle, co-worker, and friend. Humble, encouraging, outgoing, and friendly are just a few words to describe him. Olen just had a way about him that left an imprint on everyone he ever met. He always made you feel special.
On April 28, 1938, he married Wilma Grace Trusler, in St. Charles, MO. She died February 9, 2006, after they shared 68 years of marriage.
Olen is survived by: nephews and nieces: Dahl Mitchell (Ann) of Norman, OK, Kenny Mitchell (Linda) of Elkhart, Chuck Mitchell (Saralin) of Enid, OK, Pat Allen of Edmond, OK, Linda Penner (Jim) of Edmond, OK, Cadence Tate of Yukon, OK, Karen Beasley of Broken Arrow, OK, and Mark Rank of Hutchinson; numerous great-nephews, great-nieces, great-great-nephews, and great-great-nieces; Barbara Johnson’s loving family, Valerie Line, and Alan and Jeanie Weeks, all of Hutchinson, all of Hutchinson; and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; brothers, Vernon, Roy, Rufus, Orville, and Arnold; sisters, Agnes Miller and Dorothy Mitchell; and longtime companion and friend, Barbara Johnson.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Lisa Simmelink officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2025, and 9:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, with the family present from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025, at Elliott Mortuary.
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In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the HCC Endowment Association, to benefit the Wilma G. and Olen Mitchell Scholarship Fund or the Kansas Honor Flight, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
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