DONALD WAYNE MITCHELL, SR.

Donald Wayne Mitchell, Sr., was born in Elbowoods, N.D., on December 28, 1931. Don graduated from Elbowoods High School in 1948. He served in the Korean War from 1952 to 1955. 

In 1955, Don settled in Phoenix, Ore., and married his lifelong friend, Eunice Blocker. As they raised their five children, Don continued his education, cumulating with his Ph.D. in education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo.  

As he pursued his education, Don taught at Lone Pine Elementary school in Medford, Ore., Phoenix High School, and 24 years at Southern Oregon University.

Don was recognized for many achievements over his lifetime. He was presented with the Distinguished Citizen in Environmental Education award October 1983, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Certificate of Appreciation 1984, founder of the YMCA Y-Buddies program, served on the Camp Fire Girls Board of Directors, 1990 KTVL Oregon Spirit Award and Community Citizen Award for community service from Phoenix Grange #779 in 1991.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Eunice; and his four children, Tom, Carol, Bonnie, and Don, Jr.; his sister, Mary Ellen; and his eight grandchildren, Holly, Heather, Elizabeth, Hannah, Charles, Samantha, Jessica and Nathan; all of whom love and miss him dearly.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother; and son, Charles.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, August 5, 2011, at the Presbyterian Church, 121 Second Street in Phoenix, Ore.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Medford Gospel Mission or the Salvation Army.

Information retrieved from the Mail Tribune August 7, 2011.