Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15

Leland Ray Mitchell was born on Saturday, July 6, 1957 in Ft. Worth, Texas  and passed away from this world on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at his home in Ft. Myers, Florida surrounded by those who loved him so.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Anne Mitchell, grandparents, several aunts and uncles. .  He is survived by his wife, Ruth Fountain Mitchell, his mother-in- law Mary Fountain, sister, Lu Anne Weaver (husband, David Weaver and their 3 children), and his brother, David Mitchell, (wife Kim and their 3 daughters).  He also is survived by   aunts and uncles, along with many cousins in the Moore and Mitchell families.

When Leland turned a year old, he along with his parents, missionaries to Indonesia, arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, where he grew up until he left for college.  Leland attended JES (The Joint Embassy School) in Jakarta.  He was a member of the Joint Sound (chorale), which he truly enjoyed. As a child, he quickly picked up the "Bahasa" language.  He had several unique and interesting opportunities throughout his life to speak the language with others, which was ALWAYS of great delight to me, his wife and anyone else within earshot!  In 1975, Leland started his freshman year at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas.  He attended the university for several years, but did not complete his degree.  He returned to Jakarta, Indonesia and worked for Otis Engineering on an oil rig off the Borneo coast, He then took a similar job in Jacksboro, Texas, for Haliburton.  His next place of employment was at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas, where he repaired wheel chairs and became a "Jack of all Trades".  In 1984 he returned to Hardin-Simmons to finish his Bachelor's degree in Police Administration. I never could figure out why it took him so long to finish getting his degree. He wrote in his high school yearbook his desire to become a police officer so that he could help people.  I suppose God's perfect timing was at play in the delay because in April of 1985, he came across a girl (that would be me) who worked in the cafeteria at Hardin-Simmons University.  Leland and Ruth were engaged Thanksgiving Day in 1985.  On August 16, 1986, Leland and Ruth were married by her father, a pastor and former Navy Chaplain, in Springfield, Oregon.

Leland graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in December of 1986.  Leland started the police academy with the Abilene Police Department in Abilene, Texas in April 1987.  He was a member of that brotherhood for 20 years until his retirement in May of 2007.  Leland and Ruth moved to Ft. Myers Florida on May 19, 2007 where Leland started his next chapter of law enforcement with the Lee County Sheriff's Department as a road deputy (patrol officer).  He was still a full-time employee with LCSO at the time of his death on October 4, 2023.

Leland was always a protector, defender, helper, guide, encourager and friend to all he met.  He was always off doing something for someone else, even as a child.  He was an awesome man and a faithful and beloved husband.  This world has truly lost a precious and valuable soul.  I miss you so much, Sweetie.  Until we meet in Heaven……10-4

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, ^{[ a ]} neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39 (NLT)

There will be a reception after the celebration of Leland's life. All are invited to attend.

This link will take you to a livestream of Leland's sevice- https://vimeo.com/event/3783552/26cd5a91be