Donald Jerry Mitchell

Donald J. Mitchell, 79, of Gallup, New Mexico, passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023.  Donald was born April 07, 1944 in Glenford, Ohio to Alice Irene Beardmore and Donald Robert Mitchell.

Donald attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where he graduated with a bachelor's in Science in education. He then moved to New Mexico and attended Western New Mexico University in Silver City, New Mexico, and earned his Masters degree.  After graduating, Don joined the army in March, 1967 up until May, 1970.  Don worked for Gallup McKinley County Schools from August, 1976 until he retired in June, 20 (the first time). Donald and Catherine Garcia Mitchell married in May 30, 1981 in Gallu, New Mexico. They were married for 42 years, and had two children, daughter, Sara Mitchell; and son, Travis Mitchell.

Don was avid VW mechanic, could fix mostly anything to make it run. He enjoyed spending time in his shop in the backyard, tinkering in the yard, taking care of the grounds at Saint John Vianney Church.  9:30 mass at Saint John Vianney Church was a special time. He loved signing the hymns accompanied by Norma Jean and Midge.

Thursday, mornings Don went to the Gallup Veterans Helping Veterans Post for coffee with the guys. (Fellow Veterans). Don was a member of the RMCH Auxiliary, he enjoyed working the Information Desk and helping people navigate around the hospital.  He touched many lives, working for the school district. He was well known around Gallup. Everywhere he went students, parents, grandparents would know Mr. Mitchell.

Don Mitchell definitely left his footprints in Gallup, NM.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Robert Mitchell and Alice Irene Mitchell. He is survived by wife, Catherine Mitchell; of Gallub, NM, sister, Susan Jones; of Mt. Perry, Ohio, brother, Sam Mitchell; of Dayton, Ohio, children Sara and Travis Mitchell; of Garden, CA.  

In lieu of flowers- donations to The Megan Custer Scholarship Fund.

A Rosary will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, at St. John Vianney Parish Catholic Church at 1pm, with a service to follow at 1:30pm.