Olen Dewight Mitchell

Olen Dewight Mitchell was born July 5, 1940 to Olen and Lucile (Kelly) Mitchell in Oklahoma City, OK and departed this life on May 16, 2018 at his home in Norman, OK. Dewight grew up in Tipton, OK, three miles north of the Tipton Children’s Home. The Children’s Home was a big part of his life, from going to school with the children to eventually working there. Dewight made the decision to dedicate his life to his Lord and was baptized at the age of 15.

After graduating from Tipton High School in 1958, Dewight enrolled to attend Oklahoma Christian College. As a member of the first class following its move from Bartlesville to Oklahoma City, Dewight would often remind you that he was the one that put down the first coat of wax on the floor of the Student Center. He was very active in the OCC Chorale and continued his passion for singing throughout his lifetime, eventually singing with the OK Chorale Men’s Barbershop Chorus. After graduating as a member of the last Junior College class of Oklahoma Christian College in 1960, Dewight’s continued studies led him to Panhandle A&M College, where he earned a degree in Animal Science in 1962 and was then employed by the Westview Boy’s Home in Hollis, OK.

Dewight and Betty Louise Allen were married on November 28, 1963 in Boise City, OK, after which time they moved to Norman, OK for him to pursue even more education. Eventually, three little blond-haired girls came along, Deneen Chanel in 1965, Devonne Lurie in 1967, and Dewayna Allene in 1968. Dewight and Betty loved Norman and decided to make it their life home and opened Betty Lou’s Flowers and Gifts on May 17, 1979. Together they operated their flower shop for 38 years, with Dewight holding the purse strings. The decision to open a small business proved to be a good one, as the city of Norman and its residents were very good to them throughout those years. After suffering a stroke in December of 2016, Dewight was forced to retire from the business to which he had devoted so much of his life.

Dewight is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty Lou, daughters Devonne Carter (Jerry) and Dewayna Petre (Bob), and grandchildren Harrison Petre, Hagen Petre, Jarrett Carter, Jadyn Carter, and Jansen Carter. He is also survived by sisters Carroll Kilpatrick (David), Kara McDaniel (Kerry), and Cindy Jobin (Norm), as well as a host of “cousins”, extended family, and friends. Dewight was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Deneen Mitchell.