Early in the morning of a beautiful fall day the Lord chose to call six of his most precious children home. There will probably always be more questions than answers to the whys in our hearts; but there are some things that we know for certain & will hold onto on our darkest days.


Howard Mitchell was a steadfast, loyal, and loving man to those around him and a man who put family before himself everyday. His unshakable beliefs were written plainly on the lives of those he touched. He knew without doubt that God was in control and would provide when everything else fell short. His wife Melody was his best friend and constant supporter; the team they made could move mountains and together they were an unstoppable force. He was a proud father and adoring grandpa. As a foster father Howard proved that love is thicker than blood & opened his home to 41 lost children, five of whom followed him to Heaven.


"Girly- Girl" does not begin to explain Tayla Mitchell's love of all things pink, frilly, and sparkly. You would often walk into the house to find her in her "big girl" high heels jamming out and singing her loudest to Taylor Swift or her Christian Children's CD. She could light up an entire room with her big smile and beautiful big brown eyes. Even though Tayla was outnumbered in a house full of big brothers, she held her own and often got those big tough boys to bend to whatever she wanted.


Tony Mitchell was a pure, honest soul who wanted nothing more in the world than to be loved and show you LOTS of love in return. Constantly getting in trouble for being an "over-lover" Tony never knew a stranger and hugged everyone he met. His smile stretched ear to ear and was infectious, even after he knocked out all of his front teeth! A lover to the core Tony even tried (and was half way successful) at sneaking his beloved chickens into his private shower on an especially cold night.


Andy Dawson (Mitchell) was one month away from being officially adopted into the Mitchell family and would swell up with pride whenever he talked about it. Born a city kid, it didn't take long for the bright-eyed boy to realize being a cowboy was his true calling. Andy loved to help his brothers with the horses and learn the tricks and trades of cowboy life. When he won his first belt buckle at Rodeo Bible Camp he walked around proudly displaying it to anyone who would stop and look. He dreamt of being an Oklahoma Sooner and a Cowboy Preacher.


Austyn Atkinson was the definition of loving caretaker. He was the first to be there with a box of Kleenex when he saw tears or a back rub when someone needed comfort. His sweet giggle and solid hugs could make any day better. Austyn loved to cook and had a hand in many of the dinners and treats his mom & grandma cooked up in the kitchen. Church just won't be the same without Austyn taking it upon himself to make sure everyone was as happy as possible through the entire service.


They say animals and children are always drawn to exceptionally loving people; this was proved to be true by Jeremy Franks. Jeremy loved to spend time with the Mitchell dogs and show off puppies when new litters were born. He was generous and kind with children, offering shoulder rides, or lugging them around; always with a big smile on his face. He was a new Christian and was extremely proud to get the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Guatemala with one of his brothers and other Church members.


The loss of so much life has left a hole in a family that never dreamed of being left behind, and a community that will forever miss a leading patriarch. Howard's children described him as a "lighthouse" and as the one person who was there with the answers to so many of lifes questions. To say that they will all be missed is an understatement, those left on Earth are missing six pieces of a heart once made full by Howard, Tayla, Tony, Andy, Austyn, and Jeremy. Like the lighthouse he always was in life, Howard's legacy will live on in every person he welcomed into his heart. Any one of the people lost would tell you this: Live Life, Love God, and honor their memory by never turning your back on the God they so dearly loved.


Funeral services were held on Friday, October 21, 2011 at the Eads High School Gymnasium in Eads, Colorado. Pastors Russell Parker, Erik Kilborn and Scott Nyman officiated the services. There was a very large contingent of law enforcement officials from all over the state of Colorado. Full law enforcement honors were presented by the Arapahoe County Color Guard. Following the funeral services, the funeral procession, that totaled over 14 miles in length, processed to the Kit Carson Cemetery in Kit Carson, Colorado where a final tribute consisting of a rider less horse and foot procession of law enforcement took place with the final committal. Serving as casketbearers were: B.J. Stivers, Jerry Stricker, Larry Gifford, Danny Carroll, Brad Morgan, Rick Gekeler, Lance Jagers and Aldon Miller. Honorary casketbearers were: Bruce Anderson, Joel Maxcy, Virgil Drescher, Gene Vick, Ervin Mitchek, Phil Daugherty, Shorty Huffman, Russell Parker, Glen Smith, Ken Putnam, Tom Elliott, Geoff Wolf, Gabe joiner, Jack Parker and Jeff Miller.


Memorial contributions can be sent to the Mitchell Family Memorial Fund in care of the Kit Carson State Bank; Box 175; Kit Carson, CO 80825 or to the Brown Funeral Home; Box 432; Eads, CO 81036. An additional fund for Jeremy Franks has been set up at the LaJunta State Bank; Box 477; LaJunta, CO 81050.


On behalf of the entire Mitchell family and the families of each of the children, the Brown Funeral Home would like to thank you for your love and support during this very difficult time. These families and our communities have been forever changed by this tragedy.


Visitation and funeral services for the Mitchell family were entrusted to the care of the Brown Family of Funeral Homes. Friends and family can register online condolences and sign the guest book at www.brownfuneraldirectors.com.