Richard D. “Dick” Mitchell, 81, of Warsaw, died at 8:10 a.m. Jan. 16, 2012, in his residence.
He was born Nov. 8, 1930, in El Paso, Texas, to Oda E. and Zola Iva Reeg Mitchell. On Feb. 14, 1981, in Warsaw, he married Sue Ann Donnelly Ray, who survives.
He lived most of his life in Whitley and Kosciusko counties and graduated in 1949 from Larwill High School.
He opened the Gulf station in North Webster in 1957. He then sold for Smith Ford, Golden Life and Archway Cookies. He retired from Accur-Cut Machine Shop in 1992 serving as a machinist and salesperson. He worked part time in the Wayne Township Trustee’s office as the bookkeeper following his retirement from full-time employment.
He held the elected position of Tippecanoe Township Trustee for 24 years and served on the Tippecanoe Township Board for five years and on the North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire Department for more than 30 years. He was one of the original drivers for North Webster EMS when it was formed in 1975.
He was a 55-year member of the North Webster Lions Club.
He was one of three founders of the Indiana Snowmobile Association Inc. and a member and past treasurer of the Indiana Vintage Snowmobile Association Inc. He served as co-chairman for the North Webster Winter Festival in 2010 and 2011.
Also surviving are a daughter, Sarah (and spouse Brian) Knisley, Syracuse; a son, Bruce Mitchell, North Webster; a stepdaughter, Alyssa Schmucker (and fiancé Monty Lackey), North Webster; a stepson, Jason Ray, Elkhart; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a brother, Erwin “Pete” (and spouse Clara) Mitchell, Columbia City. He was preceded in death by a daughter, a son, a brother and a sister.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Owen Family Funeral Home, North Webster, with Pastor Dennis Judy officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, North Webster, with military graveside rites by members of American Legion Post 253.
Calling is from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
***** Memorials may be given to the North Webster Fire Dept. or North Webster EMS, P.O. Box 144, North Webster, IN 46555.
Condolences may be sent via www.owenfamilyfuneralhome.com
