Donald ' Don ' Glen Mitchell's Obituary
Donald ‘Don’ Glen Mitchell died at age 76 on September 21, 2023, in Waxahachie, Texas. He was born on July 1, 1947, to Iona and Vernon A. Mitchell in Dallas, Texas. He was raised in Oak Cliff and graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with an Associate of Science in Engineering.
Don worked as a draftsman with the City of Dallas. He started working as an elevator apprentice with Montgomery Elevator in 1972 and was sworn into the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 21 on November 1, 1973. He earned the title of elevator mechanic in 1976 while working for Otis Elevator. He was elected Business Representative of IUEC Local 21 in July 1989 and elected Business Manager/Financial Secretary of IUEC Local 21 in June 1993. He served in that position until his retirement in August 2012. He also served on the IUEC Local 21 Executive Board and the IUEC Local 21 Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Don was elected as an IUEC National Vice President at the General Convention in 1996 and appointed as a Trustee to the National Elevator Industry Benefit Plan in 1997; he held both of these positions until he retired.
He served on the executive board of the Texas AFL-CIO a state federation of labor unions advocating for working people in the political and legislative arenas.
Don had a lifelong love of cars. He raced dirt track in his younger days, restored half a dozen vintage automobiles, and participated in car shows across the U.S. He could usually be found at his shop turning wrenches, painting parts, and teaching his boys how to fix almost anything.
Don was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason at Oak Cliff Masonic Lodge #705 where he later served as a Worshipful Master. Don’s devotion to the craft was evident as he became a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason as well as a Shriner.
In his retirement years, Don learned and volunteered with the Texas Master Naturalists, built thousands of birdhouses for the Texas Bluebird Society, worked diligently for the Ellis County Democrats, served as the treasurer for both the North Texas Chapter, Buick Club of America and the Kaiser Frazer Owners Club, International. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Midlothian. He enjoyed trying new recipes in the kitchen and sharing a good meal.
But his greatest joy was with spending time with his grandchildren. Through his cancer fight, Pop never lost his wittiness, optimism, or loveable nature. He always wanted to know the latest and greatest happenings with all his friends and family.
Don Mitchell is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Catherine ‘Cathy’ Mitchell; his son Vernon W. Mitchell and his wife Sara; son Walter G. Mitchell and his wife Amanda; four grandchildren, Brynlee, Brooklyn, Elijah, and Margaret; his brother Jerald Mitchell and his wife Marilyn; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Restland Funeral Home, with the graveside funeral and burial at Restland Cemetery on Thursday, September 28, 2023 both located at 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas TX 75243.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Scottish Rite for Children (scottishriteforchildren.org), Texas Bluebird Society (texasbluebirdsociety.org), or Camp Fire First Texas (campfirefw.org).
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