Douglas Dean “Doug” Mitchell, 64, of Hutchinson, died September 6, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, in Wichita. He was born May 10, 1962, in Eureka, to Galen L. and Shirley I. (Raber) Mitchell.
Doug graduated from El Dorado High School and received a music degree from Butler County Community College. He also studied at Friends University and Wichita State University. Doug moved to Hutchinson in 1987 and, along with his wife Lisa, owned and operated L & D Speed Queen Laundry on 4th Avenue for 34 years. The laundry business had been vital to the family for decades, his father ran the Speed Queen distributorship in Wichita and Doug worked alongside him for much of that time.
Doug was a talented guitarist and played in many bands over the years. What he enjoyed most was using his gift in the community, by playing music with his wife, Lisa. Doug was also an avid outdoorsman and photographer and loved hiking in Kansas and Colorado, taking photos of the beauty around him. Doug was a big Kansas Jayhawks fan. But most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, whom he loved deeply.
On June 28, 1986, Doug married Lisa A. Kelly, in El Dorado. They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa, of the home; children, Bret Mitchell of Kansas City, MO, Derek Mitchell of Lawrence, Lauren Yost (Wesley) of Lawrence; grandchildren, Lydia Mitchell, Lila, Malcolm, and Louise Yost; brothers, Stephen Mitchell (Barb) of Kansas City, MO, Larry Mitchell of Wichita; sister, Jackie Ramos (Gil) of Cedar Creek, TX; and many extended family members.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary Mitchell; sister-in-law, Debbie Mitchell; and niece Alice Bilyeu
Cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Doug’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at First Congregational Church, 3410 N. Plum St., Hutchinson.
Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Elliot Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Doug Mitchell Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS. This is to help with expenses and to donate to causes near and dear to Doug’s heart. To benefit the memorial fund, please make checks payable to Elliott Mortuary.