Earl W. Mitchell's Obituary
Earl W. Mitchell, Sr. 82, passed away peacefully at his residence in Milton, DE on April 14, 2012 with his wife of 62 years, Rosalie and his children at his side. He succumbed to cancer after a courageous year and a half long battle.
Mr. Mitchell was born in Clarksville, DE on August 20, 1929. After his father's sudden death a few years later, he would be raised by his grandfather, Carl LeKites, probably the most influential figure in his life. He was raised in Bridgeville where he attended Bridgeville High School and excelled in sports. He was coached by another respected mentor, Mr. Filmore Clifton. After graduating he joined the Air Force serving his country from 1948 to 1952, primarily stationed in Europe.
Mr. Mitchell and his wife Rosalie later settled in Newark, DE where they raised their family of five children. He had a lengthy career with Thiokol Corporation in Elkton, MD as a Program Manager prior to retiring in 1989.
He was well known as a friendly guy committed to his family and community. He was a voracious reader and thinker who loved to tell stories about people he had known and respected. He enjoyed a long retirement and traveled extensively with his wife; and particularly enjoyed their ten years or so traveling across the country with their motor home friends.
In addition to his wife Rosalie (Nichols) Mitchell, he is survived by his children, Susan Hopper and her husband Gerry of Millsboro, DE; Linda Stromer and her husband Steve of Lynchburg, VA; Janet Mitchell and her partner JR Bradley of Bridgeville, DE; Earl Mitchell, Jr. and his wife Jeannie of Rising Sun, MD; Benny Mitchell and his wife Kris of Lewes, DE; ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Hardesty Chapel, 202 Laws Street, Bridgeville, DE where friends may visit between 1:00 and 2:00.
Interment with full military honors will follow at Bridgeville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or Grace United Methodist Church, 330 East Church Street, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Please visit Mr. Mitchell's Life Memorial webpage to sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com
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