Richard A. Mitchell
January 11, 1939 – May 8, 2021
In accordance with his wishes, the family will greet others at Centerpoint Church beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2021 for an hour of visitation, followed by a “Celebration” of life at 12 o’clock, with Pastor Bill Fernhout, officiating. In lieu of flowers, for those that wish to make a memorial contribution, please consider Hospice of Southwest Michigan, care of the funeral home. Friends and family are encouraged to leave a condolence message on Richard’s online guestbook.
Obituary
Age 82, went to glory on Saturday May 08, 2021 following a long illness. Richard was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 11, 1939, the son of Harley Eugene and Helen Fern (Rogers) Mitchell. Richard graduated from Purdue University with a degree in biology and physical education and went on to complete his Master’s Degree in Family Living at Ball State University. While at Purdue, he was also a star basketball player for the university. Richard was quite an athlete his entire life. Rich was enthusiastic golfer and enjoyed spending time on the links. His love of music also led to his passion for choir, singing and dancing. Prior to attending college, he met the former Karen Dooley when she was a sophomore in high school and they were married on June 10, 1962, and together, they enjoyed nearly 59 years of marriage. Richard loved teaching and enriched the minds of his students as a biology teacher and physical education instructor and was head basketball coach at Highland Highschool in Anderson, Indiana. In the late 70’s Rich obtained his real estate license and enjoyed six years selling properties. In the early 80’s Rich, Karen and their family moved to Kalamazoo, where he became the Regional Sales Representative for Hallmark Cards, which he retired from in 2003, after 30 years of dedicated service. He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Karen, their children, Michael Mitchell of Indianapolis, Indiana, daughters, Jodi (Stefan) Hartman of Knoxville, Tennessee, Kari (Steve) Clippinger of Eaton, Ohio, along with their grandchildren, Haley, Margo, Madeleine, Marc, Courtney, Kyle and Chloe, along with their great granddaughter, Marybeth Clair, as well as his brother, Roger Mitchell and sister, Carolyn Richwine.
Your wit, smile, love of God will live on in me and my family! Thank you for being the best dad a daughter could ask for. Til we see each other again, love you dad!
Something is not right. Something is not fair or so it seems. Losing a younger brother who was also your very best friend for 82 years is not the way it should be. But then, I am reminded that God’s will prevails in spite of what we think is right or fair. I do know for sure that the many fond memories of him will live forever in my heart. He was an outstanding human being and I am honored and privileged to have had him as a brother and a friend. we had so darn many great times growing up together and later with our fantastic families . Losing him breaks my heart. My love and sympathy goes out to Karen, Mike, Jodi, kari, and all the grandchildren, great grandchild, and members of the extended family, and all his wonderful friends and associates. God’s Peace Roger
Karen and Families, My heart goes out to you all for all you’ve been through during Rich’s illness. He was definitely a trooper and will remember him as the most delightful human being I knew and so proud he was my Brother-in-law. He will be missed for sure.
Dad, You finished well! You took care of your family and most importantly your precious loving wife (Mom) Karen. I am forever grateful for your love of family and friends. I am so moved by your diligence and attention to detail as you prepared yourself for your journey home to be with Jesus. I am at peace because of your exit strategy and acceptance of what was to come as you prepared your self for Heaven! God extended your life here on earth way beyond the life expectancy of your disease. God’s Grace was bestowed upon you for over 6 yrs. Praise be to our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ! I will always love you and your spirit will live in my heart until I see you again at the pearly gates of Heaven! M
My sympathy to Karen and family. Prayers are with you.
I will miss all the good times and family get togethers we have had through the years. From roommates in the Phi Gam fraternity house at Purdue, to the numerous rounds of golf and pool we enjoyed together. I will miss a wonderful friend and a great guy. May you Rest In Peace.
As I think back on my childhood memories, most of my favorites include coming up to Michigan to spend summer weeks with Grandpa and Grandma. I couldn’t wait for Grandpa’s jokes, games, stories, fishing adventures, and delicious meals! I would dread leaving and always shed tears as they stood out in the driveway and waived goodbye. As years passed and family situations changed, I couldn’t wait to get back up to Michigan to see my grandparents again. Being able to introduce my husband to Grandpa and watching them bond over talks about Jesus always made me proud to have these two godly men in my life. Bringing my brand new baby girl up to meet Grandpa was such a blessing. He was able to hold her and even got to witness Marybeth’s smiles and laughs. I love my grandpa dearly and my heart is full knowing Jesus has his arms around him. What a beautiful moment it will be when we one day reunite in Heaven.
I’m so sorry to learn of Coach Mitchell’s passing. My prayers are with you all HHS Class of 73
I am very saddened to learn of Dick’ s passing. He was one of the best teachers at Highland and many of us have never forgotten him either as a teacher OR a Coach. His office, while at HHS, was very near my mother’s (Audrey Ashby), who was Registrar while he was an educator there. He was always one of her favorite faculty and he never failed to give her a smile, or make her laugh in one way or another. Now they will be able to continue that tradition when they cross paths upstairs! May his family find peace and comfort knowing he was a man that touched many people in all aspects of his life through the years, God Bless you all and Rest in Peace Coach Mitchell!!
I remember Mr. Mitchell as one of the kindest and most upstanding teachers we had at Highland High School. He was truly a special person who guided us into adulthood!
RIP Coach Mitchell. Prayers for all family and friends.
R I P and thank you for always being a bright spot in my work day as I helped mail those Hallmark communications. Lucy
I remember Rich during the early nineties when I sang in a Sweet Adelines chorus and quartet with his wife Karen. He was so personable and nice. Karen, I just learned of Rich’s passing from my daughter Darcy Sheppard who is good friends with John and Sue Rath. Remember when Darcy was about three or four and thought your name was karenitchel? She also sends her condolences. Love to you.