CSM John Mitchell Jr. (Ret)

“Mitch” as he was often called, stepped through heaven’s gate, ready for new assignments from his eternal supreme commander. Surely his assignments most likely will be with the babies and children, as they always were uppermost in his heart. He’ll probably teach them how to fish, as fishing was his favorite hobby next to growing beautiful flowers and gardening.

Born in Robertson County, Tennessee in September 1930, he grew up on tobacco farms with a younger brother, James (Tommy) and sister, Ida Kate, then much later a baby brother, Ricky Lee. He joined the Tennessee National Guard and was activated about 7 years later due to a clerical error he claimed was the best mistake in his life. He dearly loved the Army and retired with 30 years active service on June 30, 1984 at 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood.

During those 30 years, he served tours in Korea, Vietnam (once with M Company, 3d Platoon, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and once as advisor to the Army of South Vietnam) as well as tours at Ft. Polk, Ft. Lewis, Ft. Meade, Germany (4 or more tours), Myrtle Beach, S. Carolina, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he was the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the 95th Division, and where he met his future bride on July 12, 1976, a date he celebrated. After selection for Command Sergeant Major and re-assignment to Ft. Polk, he and Linda began their 40- year marriage and soon was sent to Germany once more. He said the best job of his career was as Commandant of the US Army Europe Noncommissioned Officers Academy. CSM Mitchell had a special rapport with the junior enlisted and officers alike. Included among his many awards were the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (w/OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (w/1 silver service star), and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After retiring from active duty, he returned to supporting his beloved troops once more in various civil service positions including Supervisor of the Security Guards at West Fort Hood Airport and later as a DOL Locator throughout the first Gulf War. Retiring again, he volunteered with the Copperas Cove HOSTS Program, helping young children learn to read; Meals on Wheels; Salvation Army and in various positions including President of the Copperas Cove Kiwanis Club and helping to bring a Boys and Girls Club to Copperas Cove. He became skilled at repairing lawn equipment and was always in demand.

He will be sorely missed by his devoted wife, Linda and all of his extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Tommy, a grandbaby, Katie Roberts, and recently his sweet Pomeranian, Daisy. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Sharon Roberts (husband Phillip) of Oregon, Lori Kim Mitchell of Nebraska, and Rhonda Mitchell of Vermont; a son, John Steven; and four grandchildren (Annie, Dylan, Angela and Carlie).

Visitation will be 4-8pm Thursday at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home and Funeral/Celebration of Life Friday, 9am with burial at 11 am at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.