Chris Patrick Mitchell

Surrounded by his loving family, Chris Patrick Mitchell was freed from pancreatic cancer on June 26, 2021, and went home to be with the Lord.

Born in New Castle, Indiana on February 14, 1965, Chris grew up in Connersville and was a 1983 graduate of Connersville High School.  Chris was a gentle giant, a proud “girl dad”, and king of the jam band and the tennis court, who loved dad jokes and strong cup of coffee. He had a knack for sneaking leafy greens into everything, finding teachable moments, and would greet anyone he met with a smile, making everyone who knew him feel welcomed, peaceful, and seen. A steadfast man of faith, Chris never missed an opportunity to help others, always seeking small moments to find joy.

Chris was a devoted husband and father. He met the love of his life, Stephanie on a dare at Indiana University where he also worked as a Police Officer. Chris and Stephanie enjoyed almost 33 wonderful years together with their three beautiful daughters - the pride of his life - Kaitlin, Allianna, and Caraline. Chris taught the girls how to drive and how to balance a checkbook, but more importantly how to find joy in life’s chaos and greet each day with grace, positivity, and always some good music.

An avid guitar player, Chris treasured every opportunity to pick up a guitar and play anything and everything he could. From accompanying the girls through their Taylor Swift phase to classic rock anthems, Chris colored his home and his life with music. He could turn any family gathering into a concert; and he did. No matter how tone deaf or musically inept you were, Chris made your voice feel special, a gift unique to him. Over the years he played with many bands, friends, and at company events or parties, but his favorite band and most cherished voices were those of his family.

Chris made friends everywhere he went. Those from Illinois will remember his days as ‘Hoosier Daddy’ and the most doting dad at Indian Princesses. Chris was the first parent on his feet to lead a standing ovation at every band concert, choir performance, and musical. His tennis buddies feared his wide wingspan at the net at Farmington. He was a proud member of the BVSW Fathers Club where he enjoyed meeting students and equally dedicated Fathers.

Chris spent most of his career flying from city to city helping people understand technology. In work and in life he had a knack for making complex concepts accessible and making his customers and anyone who met him feel seen and comfortable. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him remembers his genuine nature, kind soul and giving heart.

Chris was a man of great integrity and humility and a fighter until the end. His zest for life and joy will live on through those that were blessed to know him. His memory will live on with his wife and children, his parents Clarence and Marybeth, his brother Greg and sister-in-law, Vanessa, and his many nieces and nephews who will carry his loving spirit with them. We know Chris is watching over those he loved and strumming his guitar.

Please join us to celebrate the life of Chris Mitchell on July 12, 2021, at 4 p.m. in the Main Sanctuary at Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, KS 66224.

The family would love to visit with you at a reception from 6-9 p.m. at Ironhorse Golf Club, 15400 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66224.  Irish Whiskey toast will be at 7:30.

Your presence is the best support you can provide.  If you want to help in additional ways please consider the following options.

If you would like to send flowers for the ceremony and reception, please purchase a e-gift certificate from Family Tree Nursery with the email MOVED2KS@gmail.com .  The family is going to use the gift cards to purchase flowering shrubs that will be used in the ceremony and then planted in a memorial garden at their home. Link: https://giftcard.familytreenursery.com/e-gift-certificate

Alternatively, you may donate to an educational trust benefiting Chris' three daughters using this link: https://www.aplos.com/aws/give/TheFathersClubInc/MitchellMemorialEducationFund