Mitchell, Robert E.

MITCHELL, CAVIN, DE JONG

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/21/2005 at 17:24:52

Funeral services for Robert E. Mitchell, 87, of Otley were held July 26, 2002 at the Chapel of the Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home in Pella, the Rev. Andy Kamphuis officiating. Music was provided by organist Barb Nunnikhoven and soloist Rev. Michael Kuhn. Interment was at the t'Lam Cemetery in Marion County, Iowa. Casket bearers were "His Family".

Robert Ellis Mitchell was born on October 3, 1914 in Hawkins County, Tennessee, the son of Charles Bruce and Lillie Frances Cavin Mitchell. At the age of 1 1/2 years the family moved to Marion County, Iowa. Robert attended Marion County country schools.

On February 17, 1938 he was united in marriage with Adrena De Jong at the parsonage of the First Reformed Church in Pella. To this union four children were born: Thomas Robert, Thelma Rose, Barbara Jo and Michael Charles. Bob and Adrena lived various places in Marion County where he operated Bob Mitchell Trucking.

In 1961 they moved into Otley where he continued to own and operate his trucking business spreading crushed rock and agricultural limestone for 40 years.

On Monday evening, July 22, 2002 he passed away at the Pella Regional Health Center in Pella at the age of 87 years, 9 months and 19 days.

He enjoyed gardening and shared the fruits of his labor with his family. He also enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels, picking roses for his wife and playing cards with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Adrena; their four children and their spouses: Thomas and Patricia Mitchell of Otley; Thelma Rose Mitchell of Otley; Barbara and Evert Kroes of Pella; and Michael and Patricia Mitchell of Hanford, California; 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Of Bob's original family he leaves four sisters: Lorene Becker, Madonna Witter, Dorothy and her husband Gerald Carter, all of Knoxville, Helen and her husband James Couchman of Fortworth, Texas; and one brother Lee and his wife Yvonne Mitchell of Knoxville; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Hale, Clarence and Charles Mitchell; and an infant sister, Maddie Lou Mitchell.

Arrangements were handled by Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home in Pella.

Memorials may be made to the PRHC Home Health Care.

The Pella Chronicle, August 2, 2002