Robert Kenneth Mitchell

Robert Kenneth Mitchell passed away Saturday afternoon, May 22, 2021, surrounded by his family at Miller’s Merry Manor in Plymouth.

He Was born April 25, 1939 in Clay, Ky. to Kenneth and Nellie (Whitledge) Mitchell. Bob graduated from John Adams High School in South Bend, in 1957, and excelled in football and wrestling. His freshman year of college was at Hillsdale College in Michigan. He then transferred to Purdue University and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial management. Bob went back to college in 1989 and received his master’s degree in administration at Notre Dame.

In 1959, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Janet Kay (Mundell) in the First United Methodist Church in Mishawaka.

Bob was employed at Bendix Automotive for 32 years as plant manager. He was then in facility administration at St. Joseph Medical Center, along with Sisters of the Holy Cross in South Bend.

Bob and Kay were blessed with three precious children, David, Michael and Melinda. He enjoyed playing the banjo and restoring old antique cars. Along with his wife, Janet Kay, they worked side by side renovating their homestead, which was built in 1889. He was a member of the Country Church in Bourbon and also attended the Nappanee Missionary Church.

Bob is survived by his wife, Janet, with whom he celebrated 61 years of marriage. They were married Nov. 28, 1959. Also surviving are their son, David (Missy) Mitchell of Warsaw; their daughter Melinda (Tye) Chupp of Milford; brothers: Donald Mitchell of Edwardsburg, Mich.; and James (Mary Ann) Mitchell of Niles, Mich. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Michael Scott Mitchell. He was blessed by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his family.

His family and friends will be celebrating his life at a private ceremony at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home in Bourbon. Burial will occur at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Bourbon.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice Care (620 West Edison Road, #122, Mishawaka, IN 46545).

Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home is privileged to be entrusted with arrangements.