Blair Eldon Mitchell

© Marietta Monitor

August 8, 2003, page 4

Submitted by: Martha N. Reddout

Services for Blair Eldon Mitchell, 80, of Thackerville, were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 6, in the Thackerville Church with pastor Johnny Reed and Military Chaplain Paul Limerick officiating.

Mr. Mitchell was born July 6, 1923, in Chester, Nebraska, the son of Joseph and Fern Ellen Ensley Mitchell. He died Saturday, August 2, 2003, in teh Veterans Center, Ardmore.

A resident of Thackerville for the past three and a half years, he moved there from Ukiah, California. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Mr. Mitchell enlisted on January 10, 1941, and was honorably discharged on November 3, 1945. During training he graduated thrid in his class of 39 and was appointed Radarman Second Class on October 1, 1943. Mr. Mitchell served on the USS Henley, USS Whitney and USS White Marsh during his enlistment. He was very proud of his membership in the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.

Due to his service, Mr. Mitchell was awarded numerous medals including the Purple Heart, the Philippine Liberation Medal with two bronze stars, Asiatic Pacific Medal with eight stars, American Area Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the American Defense Medal with one star.

Mr. Mitchell was employed as a technician for Pacific Bell Telephone Company before retiring. A private pilot licensed by the FAA, he built remote control model planes. In addition, he was a HAM Radio Operator (K6CPV). Mr. Mitchell was a member of the Thackerville Church and attended Sunday School and Bible study at the Veteran's Center.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Susan Yvonne and Jimmy W. Rains of Thackerville and Connie Marie and Paul Limerick of Broken Arrow; a brother, Darrell W. Mitchell of Eureka, California; three grandchildren, Lisa Marie Castillo, Jessica Ann Ammons and Travis John Hamilton; four great-grandchildren, Michael M. Castillo, Richard J. Castillo, Mike Sampson and Jeremiah Mitchell Ammons.

Mr. Mitchell was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Duane Mitchell and Vern Mitchell; a sister, Gwen Creek; and a son, Delvin Blair Mitchell.

Serving as pallbearers were Donald W. Rains, Weldon G. Rains, Roger Hilton, Roy Sewell, Travis J. Hamilton and James Ammons. Honorary pallbearers were Darrell W. Mitchell and David W. Rains.

Interment was in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, Thackerville, under the direction of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home, Marietta.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Thackerville Church Building Fund.