(February 02, 1934 – March 28, 2021)
Don Mitchell, lifetime resident of Alexander, passed away on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at the Hico Nursing and Rehab Center.
Don was born February 2, 1934 in Alexander. He was always proud and happy to reside in the rural community of Alexander. Don married his long time love, Lola Mae Inabnet on November 6, 1953. They started to first grade together, graduated high school together, attended Tarleton together, and married at age 19. They were happily married for 57 years.
Don had a brief teaching career in Alexander and Dublin when he was very young. He remained close friends with many of his former students for his entire life. He served in the National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He worked for Farmers Home Administration for several years and was elected to the Production Credit Association board of directors. He served many years in that capacity. He respected many of his colleagues and credited many with their mentorship and long time friendship. In turn, he was well respected.
Don graduated from Texas A&M in 1955 with a degree in Animal Husbandry. As a self-employed businessman, he was engaged in many farm and agricultural enterprises over the years, including chickens, hogs, a community feed store, a livestock trucking company, a dairy, a cattle feeding business, and the Mitchell Ranch. It was with great pride that portions of the ranch date back to 1860 which were purchased by his great, great grandfather. Don and Lola worked side by side for their entire married life, and every adventure into a new business was accomplished as a joint effort.
Don was known as a workaholic, but he never considered his farm and ranch work as hard monotonous routine work because he loved what he was doing. As many people retired at age 65, he never dreamed of retirement. He was actually involved in the cattle business until December, 2020. He was considered by many as an expert judge of cattle, a master fence builder, and a mentor to others in the cattle business.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Loere Mitchell, his brother Tom Mitchell, son-in-law Bret Greenway, brother-in-law Marvin Tatum, and his beloved wife Lola Inabnet Mitchell in 2010. He is survived by his two daughters Donna Riley (Joe), and Terri Greenway.
Known as Papa to his grandchildren, Amanda Fellers (John), Brady Riley (Haley), Jarred Greenway, and
Mitchell Greenway (Lauren). He has six great grandchildren Owen Fellers, Emmett Fellers, Maelee Fellers, Cassie Fellers, Reece Riley, and McKinleigh Greenway. He is survived by one sister, Carolyn Mitchell Tatum, and half sister Carla Ramsay and sister-in-law Lynette Mitchell. He is survived by many other family members and
friends scattered in many states.
He will be laid to rest in the Alexander Cemetery next to his much loved wife, Lola, and near many ancestors including his beloved grandparents Tom and Cleo Mitchell.
Anyone wishing to honor his memory can consider a donation to Alexander Cemetery (17338 E. State Hwy 6 Dublin, TX 76446).
Services – Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church in Dublin.
Interment – Alexander Cemetery
There will be a gathering after the service at Terri’s.
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