George E. Mitchell

Canton, IL. – George E. Mitchell, 82, passed away on Monday, January 21, 2019 at the OSF Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.

He was born on June 25, 1936 in Monmouth, Illinois to George and Margurite (Watson-Kelly) Mitchell.  Margurite was later remarried to June Kelly, also a strong father figure to George.  They preceded him in death.

He married the mother of his children, Charlotte Ann Kennedy, in 1959, and they were married for twenty-five years.  He later married Tammie Pemble in 2007.  Both, Charlotte Ann and Tammie survive.

Also surviving are his children: Georgeann Thompson of Canton, Illinois; Craig Allen Mitchell of Canton, Illinois; Dannielle Renee Mitchell of Canton, Illinois; Michelle Lee (Donald) Stockman of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Nicole (James) Wilder of Canton, Illinois; and Marie Mitchell-Nelson of Marietta, Georgia.  Also surviving are his step-children: Autumn Pemble of Honolulu, Hawaii; and Jessica Price of Delevan, Illinois.  And, surviving is his brother, Larry Mitchell of Iowa, 19 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death is one son, Gregory Scott Mitchell, two brothers, Maurice “Baldy” Mitchell and Ronald “Ronnie” Mitchell, and one grandchild, Trisha Mitchell.

George served in the United States Air Force as a medic during the Korean Conflict and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.  Additionally, he worked for International Harvester/Navistar and retired after 37 years of service.  During these years, George served as a strong voice for the UAW as a Union Representative.

Some key facts about George, include the following: His mother, Margurite, was the center of his universe; He valued “family” and was a loving father, grandfather, and family man; He was an avid Chicago Bears fan; He enjoyed traveling as one of the “Thundersteps” with his brothers and closest friends; And, he lived by the words “People are people”.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Canton, Illinois at 11:00 am.  There will be no visitation prior to the service.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church’s fellowship hall.

Cremation rites have been accorded and the burial of ashes with military honors will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Illinois at a later date.

Oak-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with services.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or the Wounded Warriors Program.  To leave online condolences or to view George’s video tribute, please visit www.oakhinesfuneralhome.com.