Mel Mitts

Mel Mitts, 76 of Stratford, passed away Friday, December 9, 2016. Graveside services are scheduled for 1 o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, December 14, 2016. Memorial service will follow at 2 o'clock in the afternoon at First Christian Church of Stratford, TX with Rev. Steve Ulrey, pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating. Family will receive visitors from 5 o'clock to 6 o'clock Tuesday evening at Morrison Funeral Directors in Stratford. Arrangements will be entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors. Mel was born on June 15, 1940 to M.L. 'Buss' and Alda (Tompkins) Mitts in Dalhart, TX. He was united in marriage to Martha Stone on March 5, 1960 in Clayton, NM. Mel graduated Stratford High School and was a member of the community for over 60 years. He was a cattleman and enjoyed all aspects of working cattle. He loved hunting, fishing and cooking. Mel also enjoyed building bits and spurs. He was a member of First Christian Church. Mel was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends. Mel is preceded in death by his parents. Mel is survived by his wife Martha Mitts of the home; daughter: Valerie McAlister and husband Roy of Stratford, TX; son: Dean Mitts and wife Rhonda of Farmers Branch, TX; grandsons: Scott McAlister, Michael McAlister and Marcus McAlister; great-grandchildren; Hannah McAlister and Harrison McAlister; granddaughter: Amanda Crockett; sisters: Yvonne Prichard of Colorado Springs, CO, LeRayne Donelson of Amarillo, TX and Linda Quinn also of Amarillo, TX. The family requests memorials be made to First Christian Church, PO Box 626, Stratford, TX 79084, SCOT Hall PO Box 833, Stratford, TX 79084, or Stratford Area Foundation c/o First State Bank, PO Box 48, Stratford, TX 79084.