John Carson Mitchell III, 68 of Franklin, Texas, passed away on August 9, 2026.  He was born on September 26, 1957, in Marlin, Texas to Mary Lou Mitchell (formerly Winkler) and John Carson Mitchell, Jr.  A lifelong resident of Franklin, John spent his entire life rooted in the community and the people he loved.

John was a man of genuine character, a man whose word could be trusted, whose handshake meant something, and whose wisdom was often sought by those around him.  He had a quiet strength about him and a way of offering thoughtful counsel when it was needed most.  He lived his life with conviction, humility and a deep love for his family.

John was the owner and operator of the Lube Exchange & Tire Co., where is work ethic and commitment to serving others were well known.  He was also a cattleman who took great pride in ranching and the simple, rewarding work that came with it.  But if you asked John what his most important occupations were, he might have told you that being a husband and Grandpa were his real full-time jobs, and he took both positions very seriously.

He loved hunting and fishing, cattle ranching, and spending quality time with his family.  Some of his greatest joys came from being outdoors and, even more so, from having his family close by.  His grandchildren held a particularly special place in his heart, and he treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, teach them, spoil them a little, and undoubtedly remind them of a thing or two they needed to know.

Above all else, John was a Christian.  He was a born-again believer, saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.  His faith was not merely something he professed; it was the foundation of which he lived his life.  His favorite scripture was John 3:16:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

John is survived by his beloved wife, Patti Leigh Mitchell, with whom he shared his life and his home in Franklin.  He is also survived by his daughter, Abby Leigh Starkey, and her husband, Don Lawrence Starkey, and their children, Ridge Starkey and Hayes Starkey; his son, John Carson Mithcell IV, and his wife, Lindsey Knight Mitchell, and their children, Carson Mitchell, Asher Mitchell, June Mitchell, and Eli Mitchell; his sister, Mary Margaret Jones; his nephews, Steve Jones and Jerry Jones.  His family, all of Franklin, Texas, was the greatest treasure of his life.

John leaves behind more than a family name.  He leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, integrity, wisdom, and love.  He was a husband who loved his wife, a father who loved his children, a Grandpa who was never too busy for his grandchildren, and an uncle who was a meaningful part of the lives of those who called him family.

Those who knew John will remember his genuine nature, his steady presence, his love for the outdoors, and the wisdom he so freely shared.  His life was a testimony to the strength that comes from faith, family, and a life lived with purpose.

Though his family will feel his absence deeply, they can rest in the assurance of the faith John held so firmly, that his life is not the end, but the beginning of eternity with Christ.

John was a good man, a faithful husband, a loving father, a proud Grandpa, and a man of faith.

And while his family will certainly miss having him around, one thing is certain: He has finally retired from his full-time job as husband and Grandpa- but knowing John, he probably has a list of things for everybody to get done.

His work here is finished.  His faith has become sight. And his family will carry his love, his wisdom, and his legacy with them for generations to come.

The family kindly request no flowers.  Donations may be made in honor of John Mitchell to the Franklin Food Pantry P.O. Box 802 Franklin, Texas 77856 or to the Franklin Cemetery Association P.O. Box 215 Franklin, Texas 77856