Voy “Mitch” Jerome Mitchell of Celina, Texas, passed away Saturday, August 18, 2018, in McKinney at the age of 78.
Mitch, as his friends knew him, was born on July 12, 1940, in Eldorado, Texas, the oldest son of Sanford Jerome Mitchell and Fern Odetta (Hughes) Mitchell. He grew up and attended schools in Eldorado, graduating in May, 1958.
In August, 1958, Mitch enlisted in the Air Force and retired September 1, 1978, having risen to the rank of Master Sergeant. Sixteen of his twenty years were spent overseas in Japan, Germany, England, and the Philippine Islands, with temporary assignments in Turkey and Okinawa.For the majority of his career he was assigned to the USAF Security Service, the forerunner of the present day Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency.
After his retirement from the Air Force, Mitch was hired as System Administrator for the HEB Grocery Company’s then innovative Meat Plant, a position he held for eight years. He transitioned from mini-computers to mainframe computers and held management positions within the company’s IT Department until his retirement in 2002.
During Mitch’s first assignment to England, he met Anna Mary (Marie) Moran of Kilkenny, Ireland, and they married December 17, 1966, in London. He often said that she gave up her country, her culture, and her family to follow him around the world for the next 12 years. For 51 years she brought meaning and organization into his life and was the cornerstone of their marriage. She gave him three wonderful children, and he loved her dearly.
For more than 45 years, genealogy was his passion, and he worked hard to identify and document his ancestors. He loved to dance and, along with Marie, made many friends through the various dance clubs in North Texas and Oklahoma.
Mitch is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Mary Mitchell; his children, Marlene Kruzich and her husband, David of Frisco, Texas, Sylvia Jackson and her husband, Kevin of Champaign, Illinois, and Brian Wade Mitchell and his wife, Ellen of London, England; his grandchildren, Carson Kruzich, Connor Kruzich, Noah Jackson, Bethany Jackson, Hannah Jackson, Jackson Mitchell, and Colin Mitchell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Maudie Louise Short; brothers, Rubel Henry Aldridge, Everett Glendon Aldridge, and Alton Roy Mitchell.
The funeral service will be held at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Frisco, Texas at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 25, 2918, with Pastor Jeff Morrow officiating.
Visitation is being held one hour prior beginning at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Ridgeview West Memorial Park in Frisco.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch Rd, San Angelo, TX 76904.
To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com
