Daddy

Alan R. Mitchell

Alan Rinker Mitchell passed away on July 8, 2014 at Morrison House after a series of illnesses weakened his body and set his spirit free. He was the beloved husband of Rita (Yaw) who was joined to him in marriage for 55 years. He cherished his daughters Mary Thelma Mitchell (Jeffrey Hayes), Peggy Lawlis (Timothy), Bonnie Bean (Jeffrey) and Heather Mitchell. Daughter Susan preceded him in death. He doted on grandchildren Clarissa Bey (Daniel), Lyndsey Lawlis, Barrett Lawlis, Kristopher Fichthorn, Kimberly Bean, Matthew Bean, Nicholas Bean, great grandson Clayton Bey and step-grandchildren Kayla Stewart, Jeremy Stewart, Michael Hayes, Bethany Hayes and Megan (Eric) Bradison and step-great granddaughter Morgan Bradison.

Alan was born on the way to the Zanesville hospital in Norwich, Ohio on July 9, 1935 to Professor Robert H. and Thelma (Rinker) Mitchell. He was welcomed by sister Jean, who preceded him in death, and was joined by younger brother Paul (Diane) 3 years later. Some of his earliest memories were supporting the war effort during World War II and delivering the daily newspaper in New Concord. He loved growing up in New Concord and the protective atmosphere it provided.

Alan was a hunter; his love of the outdoors began at an early age. He later gave up actual hunting and found any excuse to be in the woods. He was a keen observer of nature and wildlife.

Alan was US Army veteran, serving as a reservist. He was also a member of the New Concord United Methodist Church. He served as secretary/treasurer of the Dairy Service Unit, advocating and aiding local dairy farmers. It was through this group that he became involved with the ice cream stand at the Guernsey County Fair.

Alan received a full scholarship from and was a graduate of The Ohio State University and an enthusiastic Buckeye football fan. He also enjoyed the Ohio State Marching Band and was proud to have had so many family members in the band.

Alan was a dairy farmer on his farm near Claysville, He loved the land and its potential to feed the world. After his retirement from full-time agriculture, he became a waste management professional with Ace Disposal. Earlier in his career he was employed by the Carroll County Extension Office. That is where he met and became a member of the John and Mary Albright family. He counted Martin Albright as a brother until his death in 2011.

A music lover, Alan took pleasure in his musical family members. He enjoyed hearing their bands at John Glenn High School, Liberty Union High School, The Ohio State University and Ohio University. He delighted their orchestra events at John Glenn High School. He was also a fan of the Friendship VII Sweet Adelines who filled his heart and his house with music.

Calling hours are 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, July 10^th and Noon to 1:00 p.m., Friday July 11^th at Farus Funeral Home in New Concord. Funeral services will be held at New Concord United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11^th.

Alan will be buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery near his daughter and his sister.