Carl Mitchell

Carl Eugene Mitchell was born on October 6, 1937, in Enid, Oklahoma. Not long afterward, the Mitchells moved to Philips, Texas, where Carl's dad, Robert, became a welder for the Philips Petroleum Company and his mother Virginia, became a homemaker.

Carl is survived by his wife, Barbara, two daughters, Cindy Lou Maddox, and Wendy Cuyler, two sons-in law, Gary Maddox and Chris Cuyler, six grandchildren, Beau, Amber, and Aaron Maddox, Evan, Emily, Audrey, and Chase Cuyler, and one great-grand daughter, Shyanne Maddox, as well as several, very much loved, nieces and nephews.

Carl attended Philips Elementary School, Philips Junior High, where he carried the base drum (because he was the only one big enough to carry it), then suited up to play football. Ultimately, he graduated from Philips High in 1956. He went on earn a four-year basketball scholarship from Baylor University (his mother's dream-come- true) in Waco, where he graduated in 1960. While at Baylor he met and married his ''first wife'' of 56 years, the former ''Babs'' Billingsley, of Dallas.

It was with great pleasure that he recalled, riding his horse, Rusty, across the rugged red plains of northwest Texas. His mom and dad often rode with him, but mostly he rode alone. ''He wasn't lonely'' he said, he was just very happy and content. Each year when Christmas rolled around he told of his Christmases in Philips. ''There weren't many gifts under the tree, maybe a new shirt, but there was always plenty of love to go around...always plenty of love.''

Carl's greatest memories are those spent with coach Billy Hughes and the 1956 Philips Blackhawk Basketball Team who won their way to the Interscholastic League State AA Finals in Austin. Although the Blackhawks lost that final game 70-68, one sports writer described Carl as ''flashy...one of the most outstanding individual players of the tournament. '' He broke three tournament records that have only recently been broken, All Tournament Individual Free-throw Record in one game (13), Class AA Individual Scoring Record (35), Class AA Individual Free-throw Record (13) . He was the only unanimous choice for the All- State High School Basketball Tournament. He was also voted to the Dream Team.

He sweated and worked in the west Texas oil fields, worked as a salesman for a pharmaceutical company, and for over thirteen years he owned and operate d AAA Fire Extinguisher Company. His favorite job came after retirement when he drove a school bus for the North East Independent School District ISD Special Ed. Kids. He loved them all, and they loved him.

At the end of his life, Carl Mitchell knew that as he drew his final breath, he would be with the Lord, the ultimate Peace Prize of every Christian . Some call it being saved, Carl called it, ''Heaven Bound.'' His prayer was that every member of his family would come to know Jesus as Lord of their lives.

A Graveside Service will be held 1 PM, Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Sunset Cemetery, Highway 27 West, Mountain Home Texas 78058.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home (830)895-5111

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