Henry Douglas Mitchell Sr. (Doug), aged 79, passed away on March 26, 2023, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family at home during his final moments. Born on May 19, 1943, in Marthaville, LA, Doug was the son of Henry Truly Mitchell and Gracie Wyatt Mitchell. On February 19, 1962, he married the love of his life, Doris LaCaze Mitchell, affectionately known as DA, in Lewisville, AR.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Truly and Gracie Mitchell, his daughter, Melinda Gayle Mitchell, and his sister, Kathy Mitchell Dove. He was also predeceased by his in-laws, Andres and Florence LaCaze, Lynwood LaCaze, Cliff LaCaze, Charles LaCaze, Donnie Desadier, Barbra LaCaze, and Margaret LaCaze, and lifelong friend Wesley Chambers.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years Doris LaCaze Mitchell and children, Douglas Mitchell Jr. (JR) and wife Lisa, Deanna Smith and husband Larry, Cecilia Thomas and husband Duke, Dana Prewitt and husband Brad, Melissa O’Bannon and husband Glen, and Michael Mitchell and wife Kelly. He was also blessed with 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one soon-to-be-born great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Cecil Mitchell Sr., of Natchitoches, La, and his in-laws, Mary Leach (Hester) of Natchitoches, La, Helen Presley (Carroll) of Bellwood, La, John LaCaze (Laura) of Coushatta, La, and Sue Desadier of Natchitoches, La, and Linda LaCaze of Natchitoches La..
Doug was the proud owner of his own business, Doug’s A-1 Auto Sales, which he had owned and operated since 1976. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting with his family and closest friends at the hunting camp he founded in 1992, known as the Ponderosa on Red River in Natchitoches. He was also blessed to travel to Colorado, Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas on numerous hunting trips throughout the years. On weekends, he could always be found around the Ponderosa campfire, listening to old music with everyone.
He found great joy in following his children and grandchildren to their various functions, including football, baseball, basketball, and volleyball games everywhere they were playing. He was always their biggest fan.
The family would like to express how thankful we are to Dr. Lori Rodriquez, Dr. Akhtar, and the staff at the NRMC Cancer Center, Lagniappe Home Health and Hospice of Natchitoches for the care of our loved one.
Per his request, a private family memorial will be held in honor of his life, and as he said in some of his final words “I’ll meet y’all around the campfire.” The family appreciates the outpouring of love and condolences during this difficult time.
