Darwin Mitchell

Darwin Mitchell, of Palestine, transitioned from this earthly life to be with the Lord on Sunday, the 15th day of December, 2019.  He was 89 years of age.  Mr. Mitchell was born on the 13th day of August, 1930, in Troup, Texas, to parents Erb and Ruth Mitchell.

Mr. Mitchell married his high school sweetheart, Christine Ruth Haltom, on August 12, 1950.  They were married for 64 years, before she passed in 2014.  He served this great country in the Texas National Guard for 13 years. Mr. Mitchell worked as a machinist at Glass Containers/Knox Glass for 35 years, where he was president of the local union.  He was the founding member of 84 East VFD and served as chief for over 20 years.  During this time, he was also the President of the Anderson County Volunteer Fire Association.  Mr. Mitchell was the manager/operator of Walston Springs and Norwood Water.  His hard work and dedication was noticed and he received the Rural Water Operator Award.  Mr. Mitchell was a Christian who loved the Lord and served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church for over 50 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents Erb and Ruth Mitchell; wife, Christine Mitchell; brothers, Wayne Mitchell, Robert Mitchell, Jimmy Mitchell; and sister, Wanda Wilkinson.

Mr. Mitchell is survived by his son, Michael and wife Kristi Mitchell; grandchildren, Kiersten Ruth Mitchell, Brady Darwin Mitchell, Dakota Lane Mitchell, Emily Hatch and husband Captain Brynn Hatch (USMC), and Kevin Gailey; great-grandchildren, Nova Mitchell and Lane Mitchell; and close family friend, Alan “Bubba” Fox and wife Tanya.  He is also survived by numerous family and friends.

A funeral service to celebrate Darwin Mitchell’s life will be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning, on Wednesday, the 18th day of December, 2019, at First Baptist Church with Bro. Tony Watson and Dan Manuel officiating.  Interment will follow, via an escorted Fire Engine cortege, at Roselawn Park in Palestine.

Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of service at First Baptist Church.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Chris Fox, Josh Fox, Ben Missildine, Dee Bell, David Rabin, Troy Case and JJ Pickard.       

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Mr. Mitchell’s memory can be directed towards First Baptist Church Building Fund, 5700 N. Loop 256, Palestine, Texas 75801 or 84 East VFD, 207 Sherry Lane, Palestine, Texas 75803.

Funeral services for Darwin Mitchell are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

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