Mitchell Farris Jannings
Mitchell Farris Jannings, the beloved son of Michael Scott and Shelley Rae (Sappington) Jannings, was born June 20, 1997 at St. John’s Hospital in St. Louis, where he took his first breath. He left this earthly world suddenly on November 19, 2019, taking his final breath also at St. John’s Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.
He was the Samuel to Hannah for Shelley and Mike; a gift from God. Together they enjoyed many wonderful family trips. Four-wheeler trips to St. Joe State Park, Finger Lakes State Park, Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky, Ride Royal Blue in Tennessee, Hatfield & McCoy Trails in West Virginia, various trails in Colorado, and rides in Michigan were the way they spent time together with friends and family, including Grandpa and Grandma Bandy on each trip. They also enjoyed beach time in Florida, Mexico and Jamaica, as well as fall trips to Eureka Springs, camping trips, fishing at Uncle Dean’s cabin on the Bourbeuse River, and road trips with or without destinations.
Every year for Mitchell’s birthday there was a grand celebration at their home, including friends and family, which invariably ended with his Dad’s famous fireworks display. He grew up attending Cross Roads Baptist Church in Leasburg, which he was baptized into as a member on December 12, 2004 and for which he had a very strong loyalty towards. For many years, he has been the groundskeeper for the cemetery there and has been a trustee since 2016. From preschool to graduation, he attended Bourbon schools, graduating in 2015. He then went to work at Onondaga Cave State Park because he loved nature, the outdoors and operating various equipment. Most recently, in August of 2019, he was proud to begin work as a transport driver with Wallis Oil, after completing commercial truck driving courses at Forest Park Community College. He also enjoyed helping neighbors and others in his spare time, whether it was doing odd jobs, operating farm equipment or mowing their yards. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone he met. He opened his heart to everyone he came in contact with.
Mitchell was very proud and vocal about being a Republican. As a very young boy, he stayed up late to watch George W. Bush in the presidential debates, and was also a proud supporter of President Trump, sporting bumper stickers and t-shirts, which he loved to share with others, whether they wanted them or not.
Mitchell is survived by his parents, Mike and Shelley Jannings; his bestest buddy and grandfather, James Bandy; grandmother, Diane Sappington; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including his best friend, Craig Lawrence; and the love of his life, Makayla Counts.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Evelyn Jannings, Stephen Jannings, Paul Sappington, Sr. and Carole Bandy; and his great-grandparents: Viola Richter, Birdie Sappington and Farris Sappington.
Visitation were held from 4-8 p.m., Friday, November 22, 2019 at Calvary Baptist Church in Bourbon, MO.
Funeral Services were conducted 2 p.m., Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Cross Roads Baptist Church in Leasburg, MO, officiated by Pastor Jim Huitt. Interment followed in Cross Roads Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cross Roads Baptist Church or Cemetery.
Friends may send online condolences to Mitchell’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, MO.