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Lawrence Leroy Mitchell, Jr., known to friends and family as Larry, was born June 3, 1950, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Lawrence and Nellie (Kindrick) Mitchell. He passed away January 4, 2026, at the age of 75, at his home in Las Animas.

From a young age, Larry showed the traits of a dedicated and honorable individual. At two years old, his family moved to the Mitchell farm, where they nurtured a life filled with love and hard work.

Larry attended school in Las Animas, where he became an active member of the community through 4H and FFA. He graduated from Las Animas High School in 1968. Following his high school years, Larry attended Otero Junior College for welding and was on the rodeo team. Larry was influential in the local rodeo scene, playing a pivotal role in the design and construction of the bucking chutes in the La Junta Kids Rodeo arena, ensuring that future generations could enjoy this time-honored tradition. He loved to team rope, and had stories to share with whoever would listen. He had a creative mind and could design and create projects to assist him in his daily work as a rancher and farmer. After college, he worked for sale barns, feed lots, and ranches where he designed and built numerous corrals, pens, and alleys to feed, house, and move cattle.

In 1981, Larry married Nancy Taussig, and to this union of 44 years, a son, Mick, and daughter, Andrea, were born. Larry was active in his children and their friends lives by teaching them to work, and rarely missing their sporting, 4H, FFA, and FBLA events. He had a deep connection with all children who enjoyed spending time with him.

He later returned to the fields and pasture of Bent and Kiowa counties, where he immersed himself in ranching and farming — a lifelong passion that rooted him deeply to the land and the people around him.

His dedication to the community was evident as he was always willing to lend a hand to those in need, embodying the spirit of selflessness and generosity. Larry was often seen at the local coffee group in Las Animas, where he cherished the camaraderie and shared stories of life, laughter, and lessons learned. Throughout his life, Larry remained steadfast in his values and principles, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, hard work, and commitment to family and community.

Larry is survived by his wife, Nancy Mitchell of the family home; children, Mick (Rachael) Mitchell and Andrea (Drew) Keck; grandchildren, Abbi Jamison, Will Mitchell, Wyatt Keck, Kayli Keck, and Ryder Keck; siblings, Charlotte (Dale) Paas, Charlene (Mitch) Dietz, and Cindy (Terry) Kitson; sister-in-law, Melody (Steve) Mitchell Krei; beloved nieces and nephews, extended family and a host of friends. He did not know a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nellie Mitchell; father, Lawrence Mitchell; step-mother, Adalyn Mitchell; brothers, Howard Mitchell and Gerald Mitchell; niece, Tayla; and nephews, Tony and Andy.

A funeral service for Larry Mitchell will be held at 10:00 a.m. January 10, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Las Animas with Terry Kitson officiating. Interment will be on the Grandparent Mitchell homestead in Kiowa County and will take place at 1:00 p.m. January 11.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Las Animas Helping Hands www.lasanimashelpinghands.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Valley Funeral & Cremation.