Mr. Neil William "Mitch" Mitchell

Neil William “Mitch” Mitchell, son of William and Emma Mitchell, born September 16, 1946 in Dayton, OH exchanged this earthly life to be with his Lord and Savior Christ Jesus on Saturday, April 28, 2018 surrounded by family and friends. Neil was raised and graduated from high school in Dayton, Ohio, going on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968, achieving the rank of Sergeant. Neil married the love of his life, Kathy Ruppert on August 8, 1970 and to this union three sons were born, Ricky, Michael, and Sonny all of whom survive him. Neil’s life was also blessed with a loving sister, Kathy, and her husband David who also survive, and a brother, Michael, who preceded him in death. Neil leaves behind four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a host of friends. Neil joined his Christian family at Charity Christian Church, being baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the Niangua River near Charity, MO. Neil faithfully served his Lord as an Elder, the Sunday School Superintendent, and the Treasurer of the church for many years. Along with Neil’s service to his Savior and our nation, Neil served the community as a member of the Buffalo Rural Fire Department. Neil was a man who often lived on the edge. He dearly loved cars and loved going fast. For several years, Neil and Kathy both spent their leisure time drag racing, and from time to time driving against each other. When the time came to end the drag racing, Neil still wished to live on the edge. Likely against his loving wife’s better judgment, Neil gave up the drag strip for the air strip and took up flying. As in racing, mishaps come and that included losing an engine in flight and having to make an emergency landing. And he wondered why Kathy said NO to a motorcycle. Neil loved living on the edge, but never did so with his family. A devout Christian man, Neil made sure to bring up his children in faith and indeed raised three fine, upstanding men. Neil loved his life, his family, his friends, and his community. He will indeed be missed by all whose life he touched. Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Charity Christian Church with Pastor David Stotts officiating. Escorts will be Bobby Carver, Scotty Perry, Kirby Vest, Leroy Perry, Leland Cooper, and Scott Turner. Interment will be in the Charity Christian Cemetery under the direction of the Cantlon Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association.

Mr. Neil William "Mitch" Mitchell

September 16, 1946 - April 28, 2018