J. Gordon Jr. Mitchell

J. Gordon Mitchell, Jr.
Mulhearn Funeral Home
West Monroe, LA


Funeral services for J.Gordon Mitchell, Jr. will be held at 11:00 A.M. April 30, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in West Monroe with Rev. Mark Fenn officiating. Burial will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe. Gordon passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 27, 2008.

J. Gordon Mitchell, Jr., son of Jera Warner and J. Gordon Mitchell, Sr., was born
July 2, 1926, in Grayson, Louisiana; he was raised in Wisner, Louisiana, where he attended grammar school and later graduated from Wisner High School in 1943. Upon graduation, Gordon enrolled at Northeast Junior College. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U. S. Army where he proudly served his country during World War II as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division. His service was based in the Philippines and after the war he remained in Japan as part of the Occupation Army.

Returning home in 1946, Gordon enrolled at Louisiana Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a B. A. in Economics in 1949. While attending LA Tech and becoming active in the Baptist Student Union, he met the love of his life, Colleen Kennedy. They married in December 1951, and made their home in Baton Rouge while Gordon attended graduate school at Louisiana State University, and he began his banking career with Louisiana National Bank.

Upon completion of his studies at the School of Banking of the South, Gordon returned to Wisner to become branch manager of The Franklin State Bank. While working at FSB, he was also a visiting lecturer of economics at both Northeast Louisiana State College in Monroe, and the University of Southern Mississippi in Natchez. During these early years, Gordon and Colleen started their young family and centered their lives on the activities of the small community, particularly First Baptist Church. It was there that many lifelong friendships were formed that will always be treasured.

In 1965, Gordon joined Ouachita National Bank as Vice President and remained there until his retirement in 1988. During those years in banking, he served in many capacities and was most instrumental in Marketing and Business Development of Ouachita Parish. Gordon’s vision for community growth in the West Monroe area was partially realized with the opening of the ONB Glenwood Branch. As branch manager, he established the “Go West” theme, which played a small part in what West Monroe has become today. He can best be remembered as knowing something about almost everyone in the area.

Gordon was active in many professional and civic organizations throughout his lifetime. In particular, he served as president of the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce and West Monroe Lion’s Club. He was an active sponsor of the Dixie Youth Baseball Program serving as director and treasurer for many years. Being an avid reader, Gordon was a loyal patron of the Ouachita Parish Public Library. He was a lifelong Grand Mason, and he was a committed supporter of the American Red Cross, the Silver Waters Girl Scout Council, and the Louisiana Forestry Association.

He was a long time member of First Baptist Church West Monroe, where he served as a deacon and was later named deacon emeritus. He founded and taught the first “couples” Sunday school class at FBC for many years, and was currently a member of the Rob Roberson Life Group.

Upon retirement, Gordon was happiest spending time at his family farm in Grayson, LA. He especially looked forward to gatherings there amongst family and friends. His love for “The Farm” will provide a legacy for all to cherish. Gordon was also a loyal follower of the Lady Techster basketball program since its beginning and has remained a season ticket holder for over 25 years.

Above all, Gordon (Pappy) adored spending time with his grandchildren and always made each of them feel special. He will forever be remembered for his wonderful laughter and his great sense of humor. Gordon was a wonderful Christian man and an example to all of the many lives that he touched. His love of life and commitment to family will be dearly missed.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife Colleen Kennedy Mitchell; and parents, Jera and J. Gordon Mitchell, Sr. He is survived by his children: son, Jay Mitchell and wife Sandra, West Monroe; daughter, Tina Smith and husband Jeff, West Monroe; son, Don Mitchell and wife Gina, Plano, TX; beloved sister, Carolyn Malone, Seminole, FL; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jimmie and Bill Fowler, Ruston, La.; and grandchildren,
Anne Marie and Addison Smith, West Monroe; Meredith and James Mitchell, Plano, TX, and Kasey Stansell, Monroe. He is also survived by special nieces and nephews: Carol Dimura, Sharon Spataro, Marilyn Dale, Eric Malone, and Jim Fowler.

The family wishes to thank special caregiver Loretta Mattox for her love and care of their father, the Amedisys Home Health, Hospice Care of Louisiana, Dr. Don Hammett, Dr. Coy Gammage, and Dr. Clyde Elliot.

Serving as pallbearers will be Walter Lacey, Art Knop, Joe Daniel, Dolph Ferrington, Charles Bedgood, Charles Welch, Jim Jones, and Lloyd Ray.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday April 29, 2008 at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Wisner Building Fund or the charity of your choice.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com