Robert Allan Mitchell, married to Doris Arlene Bolton Mitchell for 54 years, passed away at the Rosebud Health Care Facility, from stomach cancer. He died with dignity and love.
Bob was born on November 16, 1934 in Denver, CO. to Theodore Mitchell and Ethel Crawley Mitchell. Bob and his mother moved back to MT. when Bob was just a baby. Ethel then married Lyle Ballard so Bob spent his younger years in and around Vananda, MT with his brothers, Merle and Gary Ballard. He attended school there until the family bought a ranch on Sarpy Creek in 1948. He worked on the ranch with his folks and brothers. He attended Boys State in Dillon in 1952. He graduated from Hysham High School in 1953. He was an Ensign in the Naval Reserves until he enlisted in the USAF in 1954. He took his basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. It was off to Syracuse, NY where he was enrolled in the military language school at Syracuse University. He studied Russian language and history and spent the remainder of his years in service in the European theater. He was honorably discharged late in 1957.
Bob returned to Montana, married Arlene Bolton and they went off to Sacramento, CA. With the help of the GI Bill, (paying a lot less than it does now), managing a small apartment complex, and doing janitorial work in a school, Bob graduated from Sacramento State College (now University of CA, Sacramento) with his Bachelor’s Degree in Physics in 1963. He worked as an engineer for Aero-Jet General until 1965. While he was with Aero-Jet, he worked on the Polaris missile at Bangor, WA. He went to work for McDonnell in St. Louis, MO in 1966. He was transferred to the McDonnell-Douglas plant in Titusville, FL in 1967. He worked in Research and Development for several years and then went on to many interesting things, including Skylab, Tomahawk and Cruise missiles, and ended up in the Failure Analysis Lab where he thoroughly enjoyed the electron scanning microscope. The plant was closed in 1995 when McDonnell-Douglas failed to win a contract. Bob retired at that time with 29 years with the company.
Bob volunteered with the Habitat for Humanity in the Titusville/Cocoa area for several years. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends and families in Florida, Wisconsin, Texas and Montana. He got a couple of ‘aces’ on a Titusville course.
Arlene and Bob traveled the highways in a 5th wheel for quite a number of years along with their 2 wonderful cats. They enjoyed spending their summers in Forsyth, MT.
Bob was preceded in death by all parents and his brother, Merle Ballard. He is survived by his wife, Arlene, brother and wife, Gary and Sue Ballard, cousins Floyd and Rose Ballard, Deryl and Cal Crawley, niece Peggy Hillman and her children, Casey and Laci and his Goddaughter, Carol “Munch” (Mann) Muniz and her family. He is also survived by Pauline and Claire Bolton, Bill and Connie Bolton all of Miles City, MT, lots of terrific nieces, nephews, and cousins on the wife’s side of the family. Dear people he considered extended family live from the east coast to the west coast of these United States and in England. The patio and barbeque in Florida had lots of workouts while we entertained our friends.
When we were discussing what he wanted for his funeral, he said “Tell them to bury me below the frost line because I never liked the cold.” He also said he wanted a red casket and by Jove, he got it!!
Please, no flowers. You may make a contribution to a charity of your choice or Rosebud Health Care Center, Forsyth, MT.
Visitation will be November 15, 2013 from 10:00 to 6:00 with Family to Receive Friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth
Funeral Services will be November 16, 2013 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth. Burial will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. A Reception will follow the Graveside Services in the Reception Room at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday November 15, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday November 15, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday November 16, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Saturday November 16, 2013
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Reception
Following Graveside Services
Saturday November 16, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday November 15, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday November 15, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday November 16, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Saturday November 16, 2013
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Highway 10
Forsyth, MT 59327
Reception
Following Graveside Services
Saturday November 16, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Yonna Marie says
Arlene, dear one,
What a beautiful story you told on your ‘pooper’. What a handsome and
distinguished man he was. I know you will find it hard to live without him.
You shared so many experiences traveling the highways of America. I am
sorry you lost him before even more memories could be made. You must have
many, many stored away that will be brought up at unusual times..just thinking
about the years together and what it all meant. Again, I am so very sorry.
Your always friend, Yonna Marie
Debbie Mann says
Arlene,
I can only say that Bob was a very special member of our family. I could not have chosen better Godparents for Carol. I will always have the trees that he started for me and the bird bath that he labored over to remind me just how special he was. I have a great hole in my heart and life now. I know that he is in heaven playing golf with Daddy now.
All my love,
Debbie
Bill and Maureen Wilkins says
Arlene,
Bill and I loved the story of your life together and when a beautiful story is told we keep it alive in our hearts forever. Bill remembers how Bob was such a wonderful quiet man that loved to play golf. I know it’s hard when you lose someone and there is not much we can say that can ever ease your sorrow right now but; would like you to know that you are on our minds and in our prayers and if there is anything we can do for you in anyway please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Bill and Maureen
Melanie Sleeth and Jens Knoell says
Arlene,
You and Bob have meant so much to me during my life. You have always been supportive and helpful. I want you to know I want to be there for you as you have always been for me. I know you will miss Bob a lot. You were together for such a long time. I have treasured all the rare times I have been able to spend with the two of you. I wish it could have been more. Please know you are in our thoughts and hearts. Jens and I are so glad that we will be able to make it to the funeral and give you our condolences and hugs in person. Please remember you have lots of people who care deeply for you in your time of need and call on us anytime. We will be there.
Melanie and Jens
Dale Hirchert says
From the gatherings at the home in Mims to the many hours of sitting on the porch in the comfort of the shade and cool fall breeze of their home in Titusville, spending time chatting with Bob and Arlene and the “extended” family friends will leave lasting memories for all.
Rare is the person we meet today that has the qualities Bob had. Without hesitation Bob was always willing to lend a hand when someone reached out to him for help. In my 40 years of knowing Bob I never heard him speak poorly of others. Bob always greeted you with a friendly handshake and a welcoming smile. If there ever was a saint among men it would have to be Bob.
Bret Stanwich says
I have great memories of Bob, and an equal amount of respect. Whenever I think of him, I picture his smile and his laugh. It makes me smile. His smile and laugh were as special as anyone I’ve known. Not sure why, just the way it is.
I’ll always remember his kind hearted disposition. He always seemed to have a reassuring calmness and friendliness about him.
I remember Bob working outside your trailer in Florida in his white tee shirt, letting me assist from time to time with whatever he was fixing or building – forever patient. And, of course, I remember being fascinated with his collection of aftershave bottles – always taking time to inspect all the cool and uniquely shaped glass containers… He was certainly one of the good guys in my life, and I’ll miss him.
Bret
Gary and Dodie Batt says
We are sincerely sorry for your loss. Bob was a great guy and will be missed. I enjoyed going fishing with Bob in the old days in Titusville. He said every once in a while over the years how much he loved Arlene.
The Nichols says
Arlene
Bob and I met working at Habitat for Humanity 16 years ago. He was fun to work with. I found out that he golfed and asked to go along some time. Our friendship grew from there and I did not have a better friend, he was a wonderful man. I got to watch one of his hole in ones what a beautiful shot, that was just two years ago. Out of that golf foursome we formed I’m the last survivor. We discussed on the way to the course last year that we both had good lives and if we passed tomorrow we had good lives with no regrets. I miss him more than you know.
GOD BLESS
AL
RALPH AND GLORIA DUNEMAN says
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BOB PASSING AWAY WE WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS YOUR CUS RALPH AND GLORIA DUNEMAN
Carol and Emil says
Dear Arlene,
All these beautiful memories which I just read are testament to the wonderful couple you
and Bob have been. You have been part of our family for close to fifty years, first in St. Louis and
then in Titusville. You have been there for us through the good times and not so good times.
Like my cooking – I liked to try unusual recipes – poor Bob would quietly and patiently eat these
meals and never complain, I finally realized he was a “steak and potatoes” man. Bob wasn’t
a person to talk about himself even though he had many accomplishments. He was a
remarkable person and will be missed by all of us.
J Johnson says
Dear family and friends of Robert Allan Mitchell – I’m sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you peace and comfort through his sure promises to end pain, mourning and death (Revelation 21:4). At that time no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). Almighty God also promises to fulfill our desires, not just our needs (Psalms 145:16). Cherish all the happy memories of Mr. Mitchell and I hope you are comforted by Bible promises (John 17:3).
Gertrude & Horst (Germany) says
It is often difficult to let go of someone near and dear to us. It has always been a consolation for me to know that they are merely one step ahead of us. If we love someone, they’ll always remain in our thoughts and therefore they are not dead.
When my dad died early it was a terrible shock for me. But to this day he has not been forgotten. Many times, in many situations, I think of him. Despite the many years that have passed since, his memory is still alive and beautiful.
And that is what I wish for you too. That you cherish and never forget the wonderful times you had.
Gertrude & Horst – Ingelheim, Germany
Bryan Grote says
Dear Arlene: You know that I have loved you and Bob like Aunt and Uncle — always fun and loving. From Florida to Indiana and in between, you guys have made life that much richer. Thank you so much for sharing Bob’s story — truly he led a life worth living. And the two of you were so blessed to have met, loved and lived so fully. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. All my love — Beeg