William R. “Butch” Mitchell, 86, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 24, 2024, at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital.
Bill was born in Peru, Ind., to Raymond H. and Lelia F. Ireland Mitchell. He attended Central High School in North Manchester, but sought opportunities elsewhere and moved from high school with goals in mind. Bill was drafted during the war but got let go due to being the only son in his family, since his father passed away when he was 10. His mother would re-marry Harlan Flack and after his passing, married Hershel Nelson Martin. Nelson played a huge part in Bill’s family lives and all three men contributed to the man Bill became.
Not one to shy away from conversation, he was fortunate enough to take notice of a special “someone.” Mustering the courage to strike up a conversation with her, only for her to turn him down, he knew he loved this woman and would try again until he won her heart. His mother knew this young lady, Nancy J. Taylor, adored her, and so she sped up the process of just dating and called the preacher to come and marry them on Nov. 17, 1978. And this love they would share together for 46 wonderful years. They attended First Free Methodist Church of Warsaw and were both baptized in 1984.
He found his first job working at Birch Vending. He then got a lead on a job at R.R. Donnelley & Sons from his father-in-law, Coleman Taylor, and Bill got certified to be a pipefitter. Bill would work any and all shifts just to be sure his family had everything they needed. He would retire in 1999. Bill would then work at Jellystone as a park ranger and help in maintenance. This was his most favorite job he held because he worked alongside some great buddies, could help people and also do what he loved best all day, talk.
Bill was patient and understanding. He taught others that it’s OK to see people make mistakes, but to always have their backs and help them learn from it. He had a caring soul and a big heart, and did anything he could to take care of Nancy and the boys.
Bill loved telling stories and would talk your ear off if you had the time. His parents came from hard times that taught him a strong work ethic, to make use of what you have and working with your hands to fix things. He loved a good Western film, fishing, working on his landscaping and woodworking. But his favorite hobby was being with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of Warsaw; sons, Sean (Mindy) Patrick, of Indianapolis; and Scott (Jody) Mitchell, of Warsaw; four grandchildren: Dean and Aden Patrick and Jaylen and Lukas Mitchell; his sister, Sheila Snell, of Indianapolis; best friend and adopted son, Jack “Mitchell” Phlipot, of Fort Wayne; many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Linda (Mike) McLaughlin; and brother-in-law, Bill Taylor, both of Warsaw.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. p.m. on Saturday, July 13 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw.
Burial will be at a later date in the Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
To sign the guestbook or send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com.