John Carroll Mitchener

John Carroll Mitchener passed away on December 2, 2022, surrounded by his family after a battle with Alzheimer's. "Tad", as his friends called him, was born on November 10, 1933 to William and Catherine Mitchener in Henryetta, OK. His mother eventually married Ralph Myers and they moved to Tulsa. Ralph was like a father to Tad. Tad met his future wife, Connie, while they were students at Oklahoma State. They transferred to the University of Tulsa and continued dating before Tad joined the Air Force. Tad and Connie were married on December 28, 1953 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Oklahoma City followed by a reception at Twin Hills Country Club. After a honeymoon stopover in New Orleans, they then drove to start their life together in Biloxi, MS where Tad was stationed. Their first son, Steve, was born in Mississippi. When Steve was 13 months old, Tad finished his service in the Air Force and the family moved to Oklahoma City. Mark and Chris were born in the following years. Tad and Connie stayed busy with their three boys and later with their daughter, Kristin, as well. While Tad and Connie both grew up as only children, they created a large and loving family with many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tad is survived by their four children: Steve Mitchener and his wife Sarah and their daughters, Megan White and Chrisha McGann, husband Ryan, and grandchildren, Lucas White and Payden, Colin and Lindley McGann; Mark and his wife DeAnn and their children Christopher Mitchener, Katie Wunsch, husband Jared, Alex Dinges and husband Derek and grandchildren Charlotte, Emma and George Wunsch; Chris Mitchener and his wife Karen, their children Jarrett Mitchener, Jeremiah White, Jessie Walters, husband Jarvis, and grandchildren Jackson, Jacob and Emma Walters; Kristin Ingram and her husband Glenn and their children John Henry and Thomas Ingram. Tad is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Connie, and his granddaughter, Corinne Dinges.After leaving the Air Force, Tad bought Senter Plating Company in Oklahoma City. Connie shared how the first week Tad went to work in a suit and tie but by the second week he was in the back with the tanks with his sleeves rolled up. He knew about electronics but had much to learn about this new plating business. Tad was self-taught as to the history of certain pieces during his time at Senter Plating. He was well known for making OKC's silver shine brightly and bringing dingy antiques back to their original beauty. He worked on all sorts of interesting things for individuals, businesses and even the government, such as radar equipment for the FAA. He could re-work and repair even the most delicate and intricate pieces. Tad enjoyed having his oldest son, Steve, join him at Senter Plating part-time in high school and college, then full-time after college. They worked together for 42 years, making many memories that Tad would mention occasionally even in his last few months.Tad will be remembered for his wit, wonderful sense of humor, love of his big family, and his ability to repair or make absolutely anything. He enjoyed many trips to Maine and often spent his vacation time all over the US and even Europe antiquing for pleasure and for his business. He served a number of years on the school boards at St. Eugene's and Bishop McGuiness. During retirement, he volunteered for a few years at the food pantry and delivering mobile meals with Christ the King. Tad loved trips to the lake and being on the water at Lake Tenkiller and Grand Lake when the children were growing up. He spent many hours driving the boat and teaching children how to ski. He enjoyed fishing and doting on his many special dogs over the years. Connie would often reminisce how Tad would never throw anything away… anything! Even in the late stages of his illness, he always remembered to give thanks before every meal.Tad's family is grateful for his friends and family at Iris for loving him and taking such good care of him for the nearly two years that he was a resident at Iris Memory Care of Edmond.Tad's celebration of life will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church in Oklahoma City on December 20, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Donations can be made in his memory to The Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org).