Michael Odell Mitts of Swifton, Arkansas, departed this life on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the age of 64. He was born May 9, 1959, in Newport, the son of Gerald Odell and Alvalene (Lawson) Mitts.
Mike was a 1977 Swifton High School graduate, earning his Diesel Mechanics certification from White River Vo-Tech in Newport. He was a hard worker who was a self-employed diesel mechanic for many years before taking a job with Greenway Equipment, where he devoted the last 20 years.
Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time at his cabin at Guion. He was dedicated to his family and especially loved attending his grandchildren’s ballgames.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Alvalene Mitts; and his father-in-law, Elmer Jiles.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Cynthia (Jiles) Mitts of the home; one daughter, Jillian Church and husband, Dustin of Swifton; one son, Ben Jiles and wife, Lauren of Jonesboro; four grandchildren, Lydia Jiles, Kaylyn Jiles, Zeke Church, and Zane Church; one brother, Perry Mitts and wife, Terry of Swifton; two sisters, Patty Tharpe and husband, Kerry of Tuckerman, and Ginger Johnson and husband Jacky of Drasco; his mother-in-law, Bonita Jiles of Tuckerman; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenny Jiles and wife, Denise of Newport, Saundra Bible and husband, Kenny of Tuckerman, Sandra Lloyd and husband, Michael of Horseshoe Bend, Ed Jiles and wife Kaitlyn of Jackson, Mississippi, and Azure Hayes of Brandon, Mississippi; many nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit the funeral home on Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel with an interment at Swifton Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are EJ Jiles, Payton Mitts, Justin Tharpe, Mark Ogden, Craig Crider, Nick Templeton, Jesse Gates, and Steve Winemiller. The employees of Greenway Equipment are Honorary Pallbearers.
