Edward Lee Mitchell Jr.

Edward Lee Mitchell, 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 16, 2026, at his home in Overland Park, Kansas. He was born on September 9, 1941, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to Edward Lee Mitchell Sr. and Alverture Mitchell. He was the eldest of their children and carried that role throughout his life with strength, wisdom, and quiet leadership.

He graduated from Kinloch High School in St. Louis, Missouri, and continued his education at Lincoln University, a Historically Black College and University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Following graduation, Edward began a distinguished career with the Kansas City School District, where he taught drafting at Central High School. His dedication to education and mentorship left a lasting impact on countless students.

After retiring from the school district, Edward embarked on a successful second career with Pitney Bowes, where his exceptional performance in sales earned him the role of Major Accounts National Sales Representative. Even after retiring from corporate life, Edward’s passion for teaching, building, drafting, drawing, and painting inspired him to return to education at Central Middle School, where he was deeply respected and admired by his students.

Known affectionately to many as “Mitch,” Edward was an avid golfer who frequently participated in the annual Bill Dickey golf tournaments held throughout the country. He maintained close friendships with members of the Kansas City Swingers Golf Association and was a familiar face at their community events and gatherings. He especially enjoyed meeting friends for breakfast at Niecie's Restaurant, where he was considered a valued and beloved “Regular” customer.

Edward possessed extraordinary talent and creativity. He was gifted with his hands and could often be found building or repairing items others might simply replace. His home was adorned with his abstract paintings, each reflecting his artistic vision and remarkable skill. He also had a deep love and appreciation for jazz music and was known for his uncanny ability to identify songs, artists, and titles within moments of hearing them. Though straightforward and no-nonsense by nature, Edward had a generous heart and was always willing to offer guidance, encouragement, and support to family and friends.

In 1984, Edward met the love of his life, Willa Williams. The two were united in marriage on January 19, 1991. Edward often shared that it was Willa’s smile, “peeping around the corner,” that first captured his heart. Together, they built a loving, blended family of three sons and two daughters. Their marriage was filled with devotion, affection, and unwavering companionship. They traveled extensively together and shared a bond rooted in love, partnership, and mutual care. “If Willa wanted something, Edward made sure she had it, and whenever Edward needed anything, Willa was always there for him.”

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Willa Mitchell, his brothers, Johnny Mitchell, Larry Mitchell, and Cloyd “Andrew” Mitchell; and his sister, Julia Snells.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Andre Mitchell (Jelena) of Kansas City, Missouri; his stepdaughter and faithful and loving Caregiver, JaRita Hill (Darryl) of Grandview, Missouri; stepdaughter Cynthia Grider of Euless, Texas; his stepsons, James Williams Jr. (Stacy) of Kansas City, Missouri, and Eric Thomason of Blue Springs, Missouri; three grandchildren, Tyson Mitchell, Kaya Mitchell, and Nikolina Mitchell; five step-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; three great-great step-grandchildren; brothers, Sylvester Mitchell (Susie) of McKinney, TX, Arthur Mitchell (Regina) and Willie Mitchell, both of St. Louis, Missouri; and three goddaughters: Lelia, Kim, and Bridgette, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Edward’s legacy of education, creativity, craftsmanship, friendship, and love will continue to live on in all who knew him.