On April 29, 1950, Constable Oliver P. Mitchell died of a cerebral hemorrhage, the result of being struck in the head approximately one year earlier by an arrestee while transporting the prisoner to Fresno County Jail.

Born on February 1, 1888, Mitchell was a native of DeKalb County, Missouri.  He resided in Laton for eighteen years and was Constable of the Laton Judicial District for twelve of those years.  He also operated a garage business.  Mitchell was a member of numerous fraternal organizations and the Fresno County Peace Officer’s Association.

On May 2, 1950, Masonic funeral services were held at the People’s Undertaking Parlor in Hanford, internment followed at Fowler Cemetary.  Constable Mitchell was survived by his wife Alice, daughters Mary Ann and Belle, and six foster children he raised as his own.