Col. Richard R. Mitchell

The lifelong flight plan for Colonel Richard Mitchell began on August 25, 1916, in Del Rey, California, and ended peacefully on February 16, 2016, in his home in Tucson, Arizona. Colonel Mitchell was a loving son, brother, husband and father. He was the son of Ralph F. Mitchell and Louise Nutting; the brother of Hewitt Mitchell, Franklin Mitchell, Esther Bristow, Dorothy Stevens and Ralph Mitchell; the husband of Barbara Lee Mitchell and, later, Dolores F. Mitchell and the father of Erica Mercer, Richard R. Mitchell Junior, Janis Self, Robin Telford, William Campbell Mitchell and stepfather to Phil Seibert. Colonel Mitchell's legacy will be carried on by 12 grandchildren, 16 great- grandchildren and one step-grandson. Colonel Mitchell's passions in life were his skiing, flying, playing golf and his family. His dedication and enormous talent earned him a coveted place on the 1940 US Olympic Alpine Ski Team. Shortly thereafter Dick turned to his love of flying. In 1940, he was selected for the cadet aviation program of the US Army Air Corps and in May of 1941 earned his wings and commission at Stockton Field in California and his flying career was underway ultimately logging more than 6000 hours in the cockpit. During his 30 year career in the Air Force, Colonel Mitchell served in many capacities: Flight instructor, Wing Commander, SAC liaison Officer with the Atomic Development Program, part of the 7th Air Division in England, Deputy Commander of the Air Base Wing at Offutt AFB, 96th Bomb Wing Commander at Dyess AFB, Air and Defense Attaché to the American Embassy in Cairo and culminating as the Base Commander at Davis-Monthan AFB. In his retirement Colonel Mitchell and his wife, Dolores, enjoyed playing golf and traveling around the world - a highlight being a trip to Augusta and The Masters. Colonel Richard R. Mitchell's dedication to his country and devotion to his family was the blueprint for a truly remarkable life. As the wheels lift off for the final time Colonel Richard R. Mitchell takes off into the "Wild Blue Yonder" Services will be held Monday, February 22, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, Arizona 85712. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to The Fisher House Foundation www.arizonafisherhouse.org