John William "Tobar" Mittel

John William “Tobar” Mittel was born in San Angelo, Texas, and spent most of his life in the Sonora, Eldorado, and Christoval areas of Texas, dedicating himself to ranching.

He graduated from Sonora High School and attended Texas Tech and Texas A&M University, earning a degree in Animal Science.

Known as “Tobar” by his old high school friends, John was a man of strength, humor, and generosity. Tough when needed, quick with a laugh, and always ready to help, he touched the lives of everyone who knew him. A competitive domino and card player, he earned recognition as a domino champion and was also an avid and highly skilled pool player. When playing games with his children, he never “let” them win and was always quick with a sharp wit and a grin.

One of his greatest joys was listening to classic country music, with Ray Price and Connie Smith among his favorites. He also loved fishing, watching birds and squirrels, taking walks with his beloved dog, Rita Ballou, spending time at home playing cards or watching TV with his wife, Toni, and working at the ranch with his son, Robert, tending to their sheep. Whether at work, at home, or enjoying these simple pleasures, John brought determination, wit, and warmth to every moment.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Mittel; his mother, Bernice Mittel Jones, and her husband, Don Jones; and his sister, Martha Roloff.

John is survived by his wife, Toni Kemp Mittel; his daughters, Tonia Smith and Marcie Beck with her husband Rick; his son, Robert Mittel with his wife Kelli; stepson Dale Kemp and stepdaughter Cara Stewart; grandchildren, Cody Ackors with his fiancée Dana Vaughn, John Beck with his wife Shelby, Christena Moore with her husband Tanner, Brandi Aguilar with her husband Reggie, Brice Torres with her husband Santos, Lindsay Stewart, and Grayson Stewart; great-grandchildren, Waylon, Wylie, and Winnie Moore, Scout and Ellie Beck, Levi and Logan Knight, Mallory Zachary, Matthew and Michael Torres, Marcus Ponce, Bronson and Hayes Holland; nieces, Ellen Norris and Susan Mack with her son Tyler; and his very special dog, Rita Ballou.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Schleicher County Medical Center Swing-Bed Unit and Nursing Home, Interim HealthCare Hospice, Enhabit Home Health Care, and Arcadia Home Care, along with their staff, for the comfort and support they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Schleicher County Medical Center in John’s memory.

A celebration of life will be determined at a later date. John’s laughter, generosity, love of music, devotion to the outdoors, and indomitable spirit will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.