Mitchell Hiroki Nitta

Mitchell Hiroki Nitta, age 85, longtime resident of Lubbock, Texas, died Friday, July 28, 2023. A Funeral Mass will be held in the chapel at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 10:00  AM. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM with a rosary following starting at 7:00 PM at Combest Family Funeral Home Chapel.

Mitchell was born June 25, 1938 in Kekaha, Kauai, Hawaii, son of the late Tsuneo Nicholas and Mary (Arruda) Nitta. He grew up in Kekaha, attending St. Theresa Catholic School and Waimea High School. He joined the Air Force and served honorably for over 28 years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, as an inventory management supervisor. While stationed in Spain in the early 1960s he courted Maria Nieves Gutierrez Archilla and returned from the Philippines to marry her on September 23, 1963. Other assignments included Grand Forks, Goose Bay, Minot, Mountain Home, Aviano AFB Italy, and Reese AFB in Lubbock. After retiring from the Air Force, Mitchell continued his favorite pastimes of gardening and baking and began volunteering at Covenant Hospital to welcome visitors as well as serving as a eucharistic minister at the hospital. He also enjoyed traveling, especially with family and friends. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, putting his faith in action serving the community and supporting families and his brother knights. He was also a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.



Mitchell is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Nieves, daughter Raquel (Jeffrey) Oxford of Wichita Falls, son Mitchell (Kelly) Nitta of Corinth, TX, granddaughter Emily (Bradley) Evetts of Dallas, TX, and grandson Nicholson Nitta of Corinth, TX; three brothers and four sisters-in-law: Kenneth (Thelma) Nitta, Roland Nitta, Natalie Nitta, and Wilson (Ruth) Nitta; one sister: Lily Sakamoto, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Tsuneo Nicholas and Mary (Arruda) Nitta, sister Kuulei Arruda (Sister Thereselle), brother Allen Nitta, and brother-in-law Francis Sakamoto.



In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Lubbock, 102 Avenue J, Lubbock, TX 79401.