In Memory Of
The L. Mitchell
1948
2020
The L. Mitchell
September 13, 1948 — November 23, 2020
The Honorable Judge Daniel L. Mitchell, 72, passed away on November 23, 2020, at The University of Kansas Health Systems St. Francis hospital after briefly battling complications from Covid-19.
Dan was born in Topeka, Kansas to Stanley M. and Betty J. (Heim) Mitchell. He was raised on the family's farm in Silver Lake Kansas. He attended school in Silver Lake where he lettered in both basketball and baseball, graduating from high school in 1966. Dan earned his undergraduate degree at the College of Emporia and went on to attend law school at Washburn University School of Law where he earned his juris doctorate in 1972.
Dan was in the private practice of law until 1985 when he was appointed by Governor John Carlin as an associate district court Judge of the Third Judicial District Court, Shawnee County, Kansas. When asked if he knew he would be likely be assigned to the juvenile division of the court, Dan replied if he were to be appointed, he intended to spend his entire career in that court and he was true to his word. Dan proudly served on the bench for 27 years, retiring in 2012, only after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He wanted to make a difference in the lives of all of the children who appeared before him, and he did. Dan served in various positions on numerous boards, committees or groups and was always willing to volunteer or contribute where he could. He spent time teaching as an adjunct professor at the Washburn School of Law. During his career he was honored with numerous awards and had the privilege to be invited to sit on the Supreme Court for a session. During his time as Judge, he met and worked with some of the finest Judges, lawyers, court services officers, case workers, social workers, and volunteers one could ever hope to have the pleasure of sharing a career with. He truly appreciated the dedication each and every one of them had to the families they served each and every day.
The children who appeared in front of him weren't the only ones he had an influence on. The biggest impact Dan made was on his own children. Dan was an assistant coach on his son's youth baseball team where his words of advice "fundamentals and hustle" were a constant refrain. He rarely, if ever, missed a vocal performance, school play, dance recital, soccer game, baseball game, basketball game, football game, softball game or other event involving his kids.
Dan loved many things, but maybe nothing more than riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. If he never took another vacation during the year, you could be sure he was taking two weeks in August to ride to Sturgis, South Dakota. The many hours and many miles he spent riding with family and friends who were like family, brought so much joy to his life. He truly personified the saying, live to ride, ride to live.
On September 14, 1985, Dan married Linda R. Lawson, who survives him. To this union were born two children Amanda R. Mitchell, Tonganoxie and Lucas D. (Randa) Mitchell, Silver Lake. Also surviving are sons Joshua W. Mitchell, Topeka, Travis (Violeta) Mitchell, Port Hueneme, California and his brother Michael M. Mitchell, Silver Lake, his mother-in-law, Shirley M. Lawson, brothers-in-law Hank Lawson, Silver Lake, Lance Lawson, Weaubleau, MO., sisters-in-law Lori L. (Tim) Davis, Topeka, Leslie L. (Jeff) Hallgren and his many nieces, nephews, and friends who mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved English Bulldogs, Mr. W.G., Tilly and Phantom.
The family would especially like to thank the staff at Homestead for the care and comfort they provided. We would appreciate everyone sharing a personal thought or story about Dan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CASA of Shawnee County in his memory.
Dan will lie in state on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Parker-Price Funeral Home from 9 am until 5 pm. Private services will be held at Silver Lake Cemetery.
A celebration of life is tentatively planned for September 13, 2021.
To share a memory of Dan or leave a message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Dan was born in Topeka, Kansas to Stanley M. and Betty J. (Heim) Mitchell. He was raised on the family's farm in Silver Lake Kansas. He attended school in Silver Lake where he lettered in both basketball and baseball, graduating from high school in 1966. Dan earned his undergraduate degree at the College of Emporia and went on to attend law school at Washburn University School of Law where he earned his juris doctorate in 1972.
Dan was in the private practice of law until 1985 when he was appointed by Governor John Carlin as an associate district court Judge of the Third Judicial District Court, Shawnee County, Kansas. When asked if he knew he would be likely be assigned to the juvenile division of the court, Dan replied if he were to be appointed, he intended to spend his entire career in that court and he was true to his word. Dan proudly served on the bench for 27 years, retiring in 2012, only after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He wanted to make a difference in the lives of all of the children who appeared before him, and he did. Dan served in various positions on numerous boards, committees or groups and was always willing to volunteer or contribute where he could. He spent time teaching as an adjunct professor at the Washburn School of Law. During his career he was honored with numerous awards and had the privilege to be invited to sit on the Supreme Court for a session. During his time as Judge, he met and worked with some of the finest Judges, lawyers, court services officers, case workers, social workers, and volunteers one could ever hope to have the pleasure of sharing a career with. He truly appreciated the dedication each and every one of them had to the families they served each and every day.
The children who appeared in front of him weren't the only ones he had an influence on. The biggest impact Dan made was on his own children. Dan was an assistant coach on his son's youth baseball team where his words of advice "fundamentals and hustle" were a constant refrain. He rarely, if ever, missed a vocal performance, school play, dance recital, soccer game, baseball game, basketball game, football game, softball game or other event involving his kids.
Dan loved many things, but maybe nothing more than riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle. If he never took another vacation during the year, you could be sure he was taking two weeks in August to ride to Sturgis, South Dakota. The many hours and many miles he spent riding with family and friends who were like family, brought so much joy to his life. He truly personified the saying, live to ride, ride to live.
On September 14, 1985, Dan married Linda R. Lawson, who survives him. To this union were born two children Amanda R. Mitchell, Tonganoxie and Lucas D. (Randa) Mitchell, Silver Lake. Also surviving are sons Joshua W. Mitchell, Topeka, Travis (Violeta) Mitchell, Port Hueneme, California and his brother Michael M. Mitchell, Silver Lake, his mother-in-law, Shirley M. Lawson, brothers-in-law Hank Lawson, Silver Lake, Lance Lawson, Weaubleau, MO., sisters-in-law Lori L. (Tim) Davis, Topeka, Leslie L. (Jeff) Hallgren and his many nieces, nephews, and friends who mourn his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved English Bulldogs, Mr. W.G., Tilly and Phantom.
The family would especially like to thank the staff at Homestead for the care and comfort they provided. We would appreciate everyone sharing a personal thought or story about Dan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CASA of Shawnee County in his memory.
Dan will lie in state on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Parker-Price Funeral Home from 9 am until 5 pm. Private services will be held at Silver Lake Cemetery.
A celebration of life is tentatively planned for September 13, 2021.
To share a memory of Dan or leave a message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of The L. Mitchell, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
In State
Sunday, November 29, 2020
9:00am - 5:00 pm (Central time)
Parker-Price & Davidson
Guestbook
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