Michael Benjamin-Andrei Mitchell

Michael Benjamin-Andrei Mitchell passed away at the age of 31 in Joplin, Missouri on April 4th, 2023. Michael was born in Romania on June 14th, 1991, and adopted as an infant by Harvey and Cathy Mitchell of Valley Center, CA., in July 1991. He graduated from Escondido Charter High School in Escondido, CA, and the University of California – Santa Barbara with a degree in Global Studies and International Business in 2013. While in college, Michael was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After graduation, Michael continued his involvement with Alpha Tau Omega by organizing alumni group activities in the Los Angeles area. Michael recently completed a Mini-Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Wichita State University. Michael moved to Longton, Kansas, two years ago and was employed by the State of Kansas Department of Commerce / Office of Rural Prosperity, working in Independence, Kansas. He was a volunteer member of the City of Longton Volunteer Fire Department, the Longton Community Connections, as well as the Longton Historical Society. He attended the Christian Community Church of Longton, KS. Being an avid reader and a life-long learner, Michael was learning his native language of Romanian. He was also highly creative and enjoyed art, creative cooking, and utilized his talents by creating logos for the Longton Historical Society and the Community Christian Church in Longton. Michael loved his family and was enjoying his life in rural Kansas. The Dept. of Commerce/Office of Rural Prosperity was excited to work with Michael. His creativity, west coast life experiences, and education provided a new prospective in discussions and proposals to bring prosperity to rural Kansas. Learning firefighter skills was exciting and rewarding to Michael. It was important to him to provide protection for his community and become a member of the firefighting family. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Mitchell. He is survived by his mother, Cathy Mitchell of Longton, Kansas, sister Lauren McCoy of Camarillo, California, sister Morgan Mitchell of Lancaster, California, half-sister Kathy Weaver of San Marcos, CA, half-brother David Mitchell of Escondido, CA, and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles. Michael was an organ donor, and the family was pleased to learn that his donation will have a positive impact on potentially hundreds of people, saving many lives. Services for Michael will be held at the Community Christian Church in Longton, Kansas, on April 15, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with a graveside service immediately following. As part of his service, the Kansas State Firefighter’s Association will honor Michael. In lieu of flowers, Michael’s family is asking that donations be made to City of Longton Volunteer Fire Department. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349

Michael Benjamin-Andrei Mitchell

June 14, 1991 - April 4, 2023