Donald Gale Mitchell

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend Donald Mitchell passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023. Don was born on September 19th, 1949 in Ft. Dodge, Iowa to Beryl and Marjorie Mitchell. The youngest of 4 boys, Don grew up in Houston Texas. While attending high school he met the love of his life, Marilyn and they have been together ever since. Don and Marilyn were married on July 7, 1969. He served in the US Navy from 1968-1972 on the USS Gudgeon submarine and achieved the rank of Quartermaster. After the Navy, Don began working in the crane business with his father. In 1982, he and Marilyn became owners of Mitchell Crane and over the next 40 years, Don was an invaluable member of the industry. He invented a belt-drive system for cranes and was awarded a US patent in 1985. In 1989 Don and Marilyn moved to Montgomery Texas. When Don became interested in olive oil, they planted a large olive orchard. The olives were harvested and the olive oil was bottled under their own label: Cottonwood Olive Oil. Don and Marilyn spent many happy years traveling to the far reaches of the globe. From Rome to Israel to South Africa, from China to Jordan; Don and Marilyn instilled a love of travel and adventure to their children and grandchildren. Don was a licensed boat captain and owned a sailboat and later, a cruiser which they sailed across the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean and back again; just one of their many adventures together. Don and Marilyn became members of Lakewood Yacht Club in Kemah Texas and in 2016 Don served as Commodore. Throughout his life, Don’s personality and wit endeared him to those who knew him. He was always ready to lend an ear when asked for advice, be generous with his time to friends and family, and to look for the humor in life. His unfailing support of those he cared about was as solid as a rock. We will miss his sense of humor and lively conversations on all manner of topics. He was one of a kind and will be missed dearly. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Beryl and Marjorie, and by his sons Joshua and Brian. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn; daughter Juliet and son-in-law Malcolm Stokes, Grandsons Travis Stokes and Daniel Stokes and granddaughter Hannah Hawkins and her husband Daniel; great-grandchildren Quinn, Sawyer and Liam; brothers Robert Mitchell and wife Gail, Richard Mitchell and Mike Mitchell and wife Kathy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. You may leave written memorials to his family at www.shmfh.com

Donald Gale Mitchell

September 19, 1949 - December 9, 2023