LUTHER MITCHELL, FUHS 1941

Mitchell, Luther, was raised in Fullerton, California. He was fortunate to have lived what some may say the "American Dream". Rising from humble beginnings he established himself professionally as an owner in the multi-family housing market in Orange County.
He is a graduate of Fullerton High School, Fullerton College and the University of Southern California. During his youth baseball games were squeezed in between hard work, highlighted by games with professional players back in the day when they traveled from town to town playing local teams. Luther and his brother earned a baseball scholarship to USC. He also played minor league baseball and got a shot at the major's. He was proud of his brother, Trent and accepted his induction into Fullerton's High School baseball hall of fame. When he wasn't playing baseball, he was in Arrowhead with his best friend, Bob Blackburn, the sportscaster for the Seattle Supersonics of whom he was also proud.
During the late 40's and 50's he worked as a dental technician for Dr. Montgomery (better known as the dentist to the stars). Luther had a unique ability to match color and shades perfectly an individual skill when the outcome would be bigger than life on the movie screen. In the late 1950's he opened his own business in Buena Park. He served on the Board of Directors and as President of the Southern California Dental Labratory Association. In 1951 he married Sarah "Sally" Mitchell, a beautiful nurse. In 1956 with the help of his wife, he built his first apartment building in Maywood. Thirty five years and a lot of hard work he fulfilled his dream of having over 100 units. Sharing his knowledge and influence he served on the Board of Directors for the Apartment Association of Orange County for 8 years.
Luther is probably best known for his wardrobe, preferring bright color suits with shoes to match. His clothes were flashy and flamboyant but he could pull if off. He was at times demanding of those who worked for him but he made them perform beyond their own expectations and he was also generous to fault. There are too many times to mention that he helped employees, colleagues and residents with a loan without expectations of being paid back. He encouraged everyone to "get an education" and better themselves. He was also generous with his time in professional, and community organizations throughout his life time. As a life-time member and past President of Buena Park Noon Lion's Club, Co- Chairman for Buena Park's Silverado Days, Buena Park Masonic Lodge and Al Maliakah Booster's Club. Each fall was full of tailgate parties pomp and circumstance and football games for over 57 years. He could be seen in his red suit and matching shoes along with Sally at every USC football game. He was a member of the USC Cardinal and Gold Club and The Trojan Club of Orange County for over 25 years.
In later life, he and Sally traveled all over the world with friends and family. To no one's surprise he usually found a tailor to make a suit for him during these vacations. He loved London for the Musicals and the prime rib. His trips to China were particularly memorable as he was amazed with the unique culinary and extraordinary diversity of this ancient culture. But he told everyone, "I am lucky to live in the most fabulous place in the world".
On May 7, 2009 he went home to Heaven after a lengthy and valiant fight. He will be loved and missed greatly. He leaves behind his wife, Sarah "Sally" Mitchell; his daughter, Mignon; numerous nieces and nephews; close and dear friends too numerous to mention individually. Thank you to everyone for your support. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to any of the following charities; Hoag Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, Newport Beach, CA or the Braille Institute of Anaheim, Ca.
Visitation, Tuesday, May 19th, 1:00 p.m., Waverley Church at Fairhaven Mortuary, Santa Ana followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m. Fairhaven Memorial Park
Published in the Orange County Register on 5/17/2009
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