Mitchell Cary Orebaugh
12 Jul 1953 in Wichita, Kansas - 26 Sep 2023 in Wichita, Kansas

Mitchell Cary Orebaugh - known as Pax - left this plane of existence and headed for ‘whatever’s next’ early Tuesday September 26th 2023 at the age of 70.  He is preceded in death by his Mother and Father Nona (Cessna) and Clark Orebaugh.  Mitchell leaves behind his Daughter Nika Orebaugh (husband Lewis Ayers), Two (2) Grandchildren Britney and Brian Ayers, Four (4) Sisters & Two (2) Brothers: Carlacrista (Bill-Deceased) Sharp, Clark (Sally) Orebaugh, Michelle (Robert) Buehler, Mel (Debbie) Orebaugh, Cindy Clyne, Claudelle (Douglas) Thurman, as well as his nephew (the Son he never had) Adam (Tiffini) Clark plus an additional twelve (12) Nephews & Nieces and countless Grand-Nephew & Nieces.

Pax devoted his life to his daughter, the magic of laughter and promoting the amazingly extraordinary beauty in the wonderfully weird.  An entertainer by trade he was well known in his home town of Wichita, KS as the balloon guy that frequented restaurants, sporting events, fundraisers, final fridays, renaissance fairs and the River Festival.  Spending most of his life well over six feet in height and of a fluffy body type his preferred clothing was always head to toe tie dye making him difficult to miss, larger than life, and, now, leaving a rather large hole in the lives of those that loved him.      

Pax left this world with only one regret that he held close to his heart.  During his protracted hospital stay prior to his departure he shared with his daughter that he was rather proud he’d made it this far with just the one real regret.  Pax took the opportunity during his last months to try the best he could to make amends in his own way.

Pax was very specific in his parting wishes.  He did not want a funeral nor for people to grieve over an empty vessel.  Instead, he asked that we share the knowledge that he lived his life the way he wanted, got as much as he could out of every day he was given and was rather curious to find out what comes next but, not ‘presumptuous enough to claim I know for sure’.  He asked that, instead of a funeral, we throw a party, eat, make music, dance, smoke, drink and laugh; ‘Please laugh.’  

In an attempt to respect his wishes his daughter will be planning a Celebration of Life in mid to late October for all the wonderfully odd and beautifully weird friends and acquaintances that shaped her unique and memorable father.  Details will be shared directly from the family.

Pax adored cats and kittens of all shapes and sizes; particularly the grumpy, the old and the feral.  In lieu of flowers or cards the family requests that you tip your street performers performers well, remember to appreciate the beauty in the unusual around you, and, if you want to financially support a cause he loved, send donations to Beauties and Beasts CAT TEAM by marking ‘For Pax’ in the special instructions through https://beautiesandbeasts.org/donate to give the misunderstood and left behind felines of Wichita a second or third chance to find their own weirdo to love.