By Staff
Donald Lee Mitchell, 74, of Ross Drive in Buchanan, died at Memorial Hospital in South Bend on Monday, June 16, 2008, with his family by his side.
In keeping with his wishes, he has been cremated and a private burial will take place in Rome, Ga.
He was born on July 29, 1933, to the late Lyle and Hazel (Bright) Mitchell in Buchanan. He was one of four children growing up in the Mitchell household.
After high school he enlisted in the United States Army.
On April 19, 1953, he married Barbara Hutchison, who died on Aug. 10, 1982, after a battle with cancer.
Don and Mary Ann Presley were married at a ceremony in Polk County, Ga., one month before his birthday in 1984.
He was the most active and helpful man someone could have met. In Georgia he owned a pool company and when he moved to Michigan 15 years ago he kept working on pools.
Mitchell enjoyed his time outdoors and all together he worked for Pleasure Pools for nearly 40 years. When he wasn't working, he could be found at his home listening to Jazz or out spending countless hours fishing. He would help anyone in need and especially loved spending time with his family and telling everyone about them.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Dale and Jerry Mitchell.
Surviving family includes his wife of nearly 24 years, Mary Ann; children Douglas Mitchell of Atlanta, Ga., Debbie (Stewart) Molica of Arden, N.C., Donnie (Dan) Harrington of Loveland, Colo., Crystal (Dennis Whitley) Culberson of Niles and Lisa Lawrence of Buchanan.
Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements were by Brown Funeral Home &Cremation Services and Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, both of Niles.