Ralph Eugene Mitchell

OBITUARY: Ralph Eugene Mitchell
Ralph Eugene Mitchell, Sgt. First Class, U.S. Army (Ret.), 80, Topeka, died peacefully on Sat., Jan. 26, 2013, at Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, surrounded by family and friends. He was born May 1, 1932, at Troy, the son of Estell and Mabel Ellen (Wilson) Mitchell.
He graduated from Elwood High School and attended Missouri Western and San Diego State. Ralph served 10 years in the U.S. Navy (including being a support officer for the U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Team) and a combined 26 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve and U.S. Army Reserve. He taught school in San Ysidro, CA, and 5th and 6th grade at Gage Elementary (U.S.D. 501). He was a member of Jefferson Assembly of God at Meriden where he taught Sunday School and Royal Rangers. He was a member of Friends of the Hunley.
Ralph was married to Phyllis J. Boyles on Feb. 27, 1955, at Elwood, KS. Surviving are his wife: Phyllis J. Mitchell; children: Gail Anderson of Topeka, Jacqueline Holland of San Diego, CA, Brad and Nikki Mitchell of Charleston, SC, and Paul Mitchell of Topeka, a brother: Frank and Susan Mitchell of Atlantic, IA; 15 grandchildren: Kenny Copeland, Miranda and John Tjeerdsma, Kezia Anderson, Lysette Anderson, Levi Anderson, Travis and Brandi Platt, Brandy Platt, Dakotah and Mike Watkins, Nick Holland, Amanda Holland, Grace Mitchell, Liam Mitchell, Brianna Mitchell, Taylor Mitchell, and Dalton Mitchell; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 6:00 PM, Tues., Jan. 29, 2013, at Jefferson Assembly of God. Military Honors will be at 9:00 AM, Wed., Jan. 30, 2013, at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Wadsworth, KS. Ralph will lie in state after 4:00 PM, Mon., at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jefferson Assembly of God Stars, 8640 Clark Road, Meriden, KS 66512.