William Hayes Mitchell Jr. of Marfa passed away on August 6, 2026. Hayes was born on November 1, 1935, to William Hayes Mitchell Sr. and Adele Crain Mitchell. A rancher by birth, Hayes was the fourth generation of the Mitchell family to ranch in West Texas. Hayes married his childhood sweetheart, Maxine Oliver, on January 9, 1955, and added three girls to the Mitchell clan: Marla, Debbie and Laurie.

He was a legacy cattleman who brought innovation to his ranching heritage. He piloted his plane to watch his cows with a bird’s-eye view. He covered a lot of country while flying around Texas doing cattle trading. Hayes served on several boards, including the Marfa National Bank board for 28 years; Highland Soil and Water Conservation District; Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; and Cattlemen’s Roundup for Crippled Children.

Hayes was preceded in death by his parents, Hayes Sr. and Adele; his wife, Maxine; his second wife, Julie Mitchell; his grandson, Colin E. Buren; his sister, Aurie Mitchell West; and his son-in-law, Ellery Aufdengarten. He is survived by his sweet friend Marie Clarie Kyle, his daughters Marla Buren, Debbie Aufdengarten, Laurie Mund (Brad), seven grandchildren, eight greatgrandchildren, and even one great-great-granddaughter.

A memorial service will occur on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Marfa at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 3001 S. Jackson, San Angelo, TX 76904. Hayes’ family is so very grateful for the amazing staff who lovingly cared for him at The Springs Memory Care in San Angelo.