GRANDVIEW, Mo. - Most people work their entire lives to retire, but one man has lived his life to work.
His life experiences stretch from the battlefield to the classroom. Leroy Mitchell retired from Hickman Mills School District about 10 years ago. It didn't last long. Less than a year later he returned to teaching, this time at Trail West State School.
It's another lesson led by Leroy Mitchell. He's given quite a few in 57 years as a teacher.
Still that's only a piece of his colorful life that began 84 years ago.
"Genes, OK? You have to have pretty good genes to help you along the way," he said.
Ryan, Meredith and Sarah consume his attention, now. They’re special education students. He teaches 12-16 year olds.
"You know all he's been through and to still have a desire you know he wants to give back," explained Vicki Blue.
She has been Leroy's teaching aid for a decade. Like so many here she marvels at his energy. He's a child of the great depression and a veteran of World War II. Recently, his biggest battle is no longer sharing life's experiences with his wife Sarah. She died in December after 57 years of marriage. His wedding ring dangles on chain near his heart.
"Even though that's a big chunk of his life that can never be replaced he still had this family to come to," said Blue.
Progress doesn't come easy here. Getting Leroy to realize his talents is often just as difficult.
"I don't think about my work as being proud. It's just something I do, OK? I don't think it's anything great."
Another lesson nears an end but Leroy assures us more will follow it seems he's just too busy to retire.
"Now, what the heck would I do? What would I do with my time?
Leroy said he is considering retiring from Trials West State Side School. But he’s not quitting teaching. In fact, he’s considering teaching Math or Science, next.
