Steven L. Mitts Sr.

Steven Loren Mitts. Sr., age 58, of Milo, MO, died Thursday September 16, 2010, at Freeman Hospital West, Joplin, after a sudden illness.       Steven was born October 4, 1951 in Nevada, Missouri, to Willie F. and Ruth (Howell) Mitts and was raised by Willie and Vera (Burdick) Mitts.  He graduated from Lamar High School in 1969 and was a life-long resident of Vernon County. On November 21, 1978, at Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he married Ruby Elaine Williams and they enjoyed nearly 33 years together.  He was a member of Milo Baptist Church where he was baptized.  Steven worked as an assistant produce manager for Harter House, retiring in 2009.  An avid outdoorsman, Steven loved camping and hunting.  His greatest joy came from spending time with his family and friends, playing cards or the simple pleasure of good fellowship and conversation.       Survivors include his wife, Elaine of the home; five sons and their wives, Timothy A. Mitts & Robyn of Lamar, Steven Jr. & Michelle Mitts of Joplin, Bill Jr. & Lisa Householder of Stockton, MO, Jack E. & Monica Householder of Bronaugh, MO and Troy & Jennifer Householder of Nevada, MO; two daughters, Tonya A. Dickerson and her husband Carey, of Sparta, MO, and Missy M. Stansill, of Bronaugh, MO.  Additional survivors include the brothers-in-law, Doug, Eddie, Kevin, Ronnie and Danny Williams, the one he called “his Bro”; three sisters, Georgia L. Carr and Bonnie S. Hobson, both of Lamar; and Karen Smith, of Nevada; 29 grand children and many great grandchildren.       Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Daniel Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 pm Saturday.  Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Lamar.       Memorial contributions are suggested to   Children’s Miracle Network in care of Daniel Funeral Home.