Gene R. Mitchell

Gene was born on October 2, 1935. He spent the first half of his life in St. Louis, Mo before relocating to Louisville, KY in 1981.

Gene put up a valiant and tough fight after he was diagnosed with prostate and bone cancer in 2019. He underwent chemo and radiation, not once letting it slow him down or dull his shine.

Gene had two great loves in his life, his family and golf. During the spring and summer when the sun was shining and the greens were calling his name, his wife would wonder which came first. An avid golfer and collector of all things golf, his free time was best spent on the course with his golf buddies, cold beer in hand and a smile on his face. He was a devoted and dedicated husband to his wife of 62 years. Although his wife and daughters meant the world to him, his favorite title was Papa. He loved and adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He instilled in them the importance of hard work, always having gas in their cars, and finding the humor in life. He took pride in taking on the role of taxi driver, driving all of his grandkids and great grandchildren to school for over 30 years. He never missed sports practices and games, and was always there cheering them on. His presence will be sorely missed. His sense of humor was one of a kind, always cracking jokes and giving his loved ones a “hard time”. He greeted his wife each morning with his classic saying “Hi ya, Crabby!”. He loved telling stories about his childhood, his life, and his time in the Navy, always ending them with “that's my story and I’m sticking to it.” He was an extraordinary man, his love and strength will remain in the hearts of those who loved him until the end of time.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Margaret Mitchell, and his loving daughter Terri Mitchell.

Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marlene Mitchell, his daughter, Sandy Mitchell, his grandchildren, Scott Mitchell (Mariel), Sarah Mitchell (John), and Sydney Mitchell. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Shelton, Averi, Kenlie, and Braxton. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Gene’s name to be made to Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 387 Irvington, Ky 40146 or online at broadbentwildlife.org.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation to honor Gene and Terri’s life on Tuesday November 30th, 2021 at Arch L. Heady & Son, 7410 Westport Rd. Louisville, KY 40222, from 3pm-7pm.