Mitchell Ellis Shamas' Obituary
Mitchell Ellis Shamas died on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the age of 76 at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a determined battle with cancer. Mitchell was born on October 15, 1948, to Ellis Joseph and Mable Irene (Aston) Shamas in Bristow, Oklahoma. Mitchell was known for his unwavering love for family and his generosity and willingness to help others. He was kind, funny, and smart, and he liked to tell stories.
After graduating from Bristow High School in 1966, Mitchell attended Oklahoma State University and then University of Oklahoma where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in 1970. He earned his Juris Doctor from University of Oklahoma College of Law and was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar in 1973. Mitchell practiced law in Oklahoma for 52 years, primarily in the areas of oil and gas, personal injury, workers compensation, and social security. He started his legal career in Bristow under the mentorship of David Loeffler before moving to Okmulgee in 1974 to join the firm of Bailey, Ash & Romine. Mitchell started his own firm in 1980 and moved his office to Tulsa in 1989. Mitchell’s commitment to helping others is reflected in an Outstanding Community Service Award conferred by the Oklahoma Bar Association in 1984 for his pro bono representation of persons impacted by a tornado in Morris, Oklahoma.
Mitchell married Sue Lynn Greenfield in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1969. They had a loving 56-year marriage with four children, four grandchildren, and a great granddaughter. Mitchell was devoted to his family and their many activities over the years. Mitchell was always a teacher, supporter, and advocate.
Mitchell loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed gardening, sailing, working at the farm, and going for car rides. He was inquisitive and a lifelong learner. He constantly researched and documented his Lebanese ancestry and was a self-taught pianist. Mitchell stayed at the forefront of technology his entire life. He was an OU fan for all sports.
Mitchell was preceded in death by his youngest son, Mark Ellison Shamas; parents; brother Jimmy Shamas; and sister Emilene Fisher and David.
Mitchell is survived by his wife Sue Lynn; uncle Ray Shamas and Pat; sister-in-law Annawyn (DeBenning) Shamas; sister-in-law Gail Graham and George; daughter Kristin Shamas and John Beedon; daughter Terra Bonnell and Robert; son Mitchell Spencer Shamas and Bailey Norton; grandchildren Jaden and Madyson Black, Deacon, Katherine, and Ayrton; great granddaughter Esmé; and cousins, nieces, and nephews, whom he loved very much.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, with a reception to follow in the Family Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center or the American Cancer Society.
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