Gary Mitchell

Gary Alvin Mitchell, the son of Alvin Lawrence and Lois Darlene (Ridnour) Mitchell, was born March 30, 1942, in Creston, Iowa. Gary entered eternal rest on January 25, 2016, at his home, at the age of seventy-three years, nine months, and twenty-six days.
Gary graduated from Corning High School with the class of 1960. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Maxine Carson on January 29, 1961, at the Maple Grove United Methodist Church in Guss, Iowa. They would enjoy nearly fifty-five years together. Their union was blessed with four children: Galyn, Gidget, Matt, and Mindy.
Gary worked with a carpenter and as a blacksmith in his father’s shop. He eventually moved to Corning and worked as a mechanic in both Corning and Creston. He worked as a mechanic for UPS a couple of years before starting work on a farm. He soon started his own farming operation, while continuing his blacksmith work. Gary continued his farm work until the farm crisis in the 1980’s. At that time he began working for Marlin Brown Truck and Auto Sales. Gary then worked for Van Mark in Creston where he traveled to install and repair equipment.
The family relocated to Georgia in 1986, returning to Corning in 1988. He began working for Lisle MFG. in Clarinda, IA until retiring. In retirement, he operated a dozer and loved to coyote hunt. Gary served his community for several years as an Adams County Deputy Reserve Officer. Gary was always available to help his family and friends. A favorite past-time was camping with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish Gary’s memory is his loving wife Marilyn of Corning, Iowa; son: Galyn (Shari) Mitchell, Nodaway, IA; daughter: Gidget (Frank) Dennis, Corning, IA; son: Matt (Lori) Mitchell, Nodaway, IA; daughter: Mindy Mitchell, Nodaway, IA, and significant other Derrick Sonnenfeld of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren: Ashley Mitchell; Heath (Dawna) Mitchell; Maisy (Justin) Chew; Jesse (Megan) Dennis; Kayla Mitchell; Ryan Mitchell; Madison Mains; Devyn Mitchell; six great-grandchildren: Guy Berryhill; Brody Chew; Jayden Dennis; Brystol Dennis; Norah Dennis; Hallea Mitchell; brothers: Lloyd (Karen) Mitchell, Stuart, IA; Darol (Pam) Mitchell, Lenox, IA; Joseph (Sandy) Mitchell, Ottumwa, IA; sisters: Ronda (Terry) Plowman, Creston, IA; Monica (Gary) Briley, Creston, IA; brother-in-law: Roger (Barb) Carson, Savannah, MO; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceding Gary in death was his grandson Jeramie Mitchell in 1994; his parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law; one brother-in-law.