Fred Mitchell

Fred J. Mitchell, 84, of Meadville, Pa. and formerly Greene County and Houston, Pa. died at 8:20 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2008 in the Meadville Medical Center, Meadville, Pa. after being in failing health since August.He was born July 23, 1924 in Rogersville, Pa. a son of the late John Wesley and Grace Leona Johnson Mitchell and had resided in Houston, Pa. for 42 years prior to moving to Meadville in 2000.Mr. Mitchell was a former member of the Rogersville U.M. Church, the Meadowlands U.M. Church, and the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Washington and was a member of the First Christian Church of Meadville at his death.He attended the former Center Twp. High School in Rogersville, Pa.Mr. Mitchell was a veteran of World War II where he served in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class with Merrill's Marauders, 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) as a "mule skinner" in Burma and was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation and the Bronze Star.He was an employee of the former William Austin Pipeline Co. and was last employed as a laborer with the National Transit Pipeline Co for 10 years prior to retiring in 1967.Mr. Mitchell was actively involved with researching his family genealogy.On August 4, 1946 he married Martha Mae Booth who survives.Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, John W., husband of Donna Mitchell of Pittsburgh; three daughters, Bonna K. Goodnight of Petroleum, W.Va., Mary M., wife of William Sherrod of Meadville, and Nancy E., wife of Mark Janosky of Perrysburg, Ohio; six grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren.Deceased in addition to his parents are a great grandson, Zachery Thomas Williams (18 months old); one brother, Charles Wesley (Fritz) Mitchell; three sisters, Beatrice Laurine Mitchell in infancy, Bessie May Ely and Margaret Leota Gray.Mr. Mitchell was the last of his immediate family.Graveside military rites will be accorded by representatives of the U.S. Army, the American Legion Post 330, V.F.W. Post 4793 and the D.A.V. Post 123 all of Waynesburg. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the American Lung Association or the First Christian Church of Meadville, Pa., 503 N. Main St. Extention, Meadville, Pa. 16335.