Ward Samuel Mitchell II

Ward Samuel Mitchell II (aka JR), 47 years old and from Newton, Kansas, was called home to Heaven on March 29th, 2026, on Palm Sunday. He passed away at Newton Medical Center surrounded by his family. Ward was born on January 16, 1979, at the Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton, Kansas to father Ward Samuel Mitchell Sr. and mother Deborah Mitchell.

In Kansas, he graduated from Newton High School (Class of 1996) and earned a Basketball and Academic Scholarship for the University of St. Mary’s, at which he studied during 1996 to 2000 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. After obtaining his degree, JR went on to work at various IT jobs, but for about the last decade he worked at Hawaiian Airlines in Oʻahu, UHA Health Insurance also in Oʻahu, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. In his free time, throughout the years, JR enjoyed giving back to the community through the Knights of Columbus, as well as playing community basketball, wrote thoughtful blogs for his Website “Souled One”, watched planes and trains pass by and enjoyed old cowboy shows. What he loved especially was spending time with family.

JR is survived by his wife Virginia Mitchell, his eldest daughter Lana Mitchell, his youngest daughter Malia Mitchell and his mother Deborah (DJ) Mitchell. JR’s siblings include Jacob Mitchell, Stephanie Mitchell, Nathan Mitchell and Manny Mitchell. He is also survived by his Aunts, Uncles, his niece and nephew, and his cousins.

JR was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert L. Jones II, Annie L. Jones, Leonard L. Mitchell Sr., Wilma Mitchell, as well as his father Ward Samuel Mitchell Sr., his uncle Albert L. Jones III and his aunts, Joyce Lundy, Diane Jones and Rosena Singleton.

Virginia

To my Love,

I have so many cherished memories with JR, but the most cherished memories I will tell all of you is in Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi by the beach in Kapaʻa. Sometimes he and I would have lunch on the tailgate of my dad’s old truck, which I still own to this day. There we would eat, talk story and stare at the ocean. Another cherished memory is when we would go on our walks at night around the neighborhood, after dinner in Kauaʻi. There, we would just talk and look up at the stars.

JR had a love for Hawaiʻi, and I truly miss moments like these, and I do miss my JR so much. I love you with all my heart my Love, and I will see you in Heaven.

Lana

To my Dad

My Dad loved the simple things in life. He saw the beauty of life throughout his years on Earth. Above all else, even with his own challenges in life, he always made time for his family in so many ways. It was reflected through his actions of love. I think back to sweet memories as a young kid, where Dad and I had a couple of traditions of our own.

We would often ride our bikes throughout our local neighborhood of Lakeshore Drive. We’d bike over to the nearby lake because he knew that I loved going there. Afterwards, we would bike ourselves to Braum’s for some delicious, rewarding ice cream. I loved days like these and I loved spending time with him.

Sometimes, Dad would drive us to the Plaza in the evenings to watch all the trains that passed by. It was something simple and meaningful that we both enjoyed doing together and remains as a core memory in my life that I look back fondly on.

I feel comforted by all the memories I have of him and the time we spent together. I will always carry these memories with me throughout life, because they, and him, have shaped me into the woman that I am today.

Rest in everlasting peace Dad. I will love you for eternity.

Malia

For my Dad

My Dad was one of the most important people in my life. He knew how to make others laugh and have a good time. He was always willing to help others out whenever he had the chance to. My Dad was such a caring person to be around, and I’m so glad I got to spend time with him throughout the years. I’m so glad I got to make many memories with him.

When I think of memories that my Father and I have shared together, I think of many funny, simple moments we had together. My Dad and I used to pick on each other a lot. We’d call each other names and act goofy around each other. These moments always made me feel happy.

I’ve always looked up to my Father. I knew that I wanted to help others the way he helped them. Years ago, my dad, sister and I went out one night to give snacks and drinks to the homeless. It was moments like these where I knew my Dad was such a kind and thoughtful person. He was always willing to help others when they needed it.

My Dad was such a great man. I will forever cherish the memories my father and I have shared together. I thank my Dad for all the great moments and opportunities he has given me. I love you forever and always Daddy.

Deborah

JR was like a little old man from young. As a toddler, we would play school, where he learned his alphabet, numbers and how to read. At the age of five, he attended first grade at St. Anselm’s Catholic School in New York until fourth grade. Because of his age, the principal was not going to allow him to start, even though they had tested him for first grade. I told her that if he doesn’t do well, he can repeat the grade.

At the end of the school year, there was an awards banquet that me and his Nana attended, where he received an award in every subject. The principal, Sister Peter Brigitte, said to me that he proved her wrong. As a first grader, JR told me that I could not help with his schoolwork, and the only person that could was his teacher Ms. Slopes. In essence, my son was telling me I did not know anything. I just looked at him, walked away and laughed.

JR had always loved school and I never had to worry about him. JR, your mother loves you so very much, and I have always been so proud of you, always.

-

JR was a beloved husband, father, son and friend. He was a very humble, kind, giving person, and at times, could be goofy. He had always taught his daughters to have strength, get good grades, be goofy and be happy. JR had a lot of courage, positivity and a strong faith in God. We love you with all our hearts and you raised two beautiful, smart and strong daughters. Rest well. We are comforted that you are cancer free now and know that you will be missed dearly.

Ward's service is at Petersen funeral home on Saturday April 25th at 11am.