Emmitt Charles Mitchell was born July 20, 1933 in Fort Worth Texas to James and Aniece (Massengale) Mitchell. They divorced a couple of years later and Neecie went on to marry John Vanston Sr., who raised and loved Charlie as his own. John’s son, John Jr., who was a few years older than Charles, and three siblings born later, Cindy, Jed, and Tim, completed the family.
Like his parents, Charles showed great talent in music. He graduated from Waco High School and joined the Air Force where he played for the military band. He graduated from East Texas State College (now Texas A&M University–Commerce).
He taught at Castleberry Junior High where he met the love of his life, Marylin LeMay. They married in 1964. Charles then taught at Cedar Hill and Grand Prairie schools where he delighted in teaching music to children of all ages. He also loved performing with the Good Times Chorus and Swing Street Connection with longtime friend Bob Cartwright. Other artistic talents included woodwork and drawing.
Charles and Marylin made their home in Arlington, Texas. Over the years they enjoyed traveling around the United States, Canada, and Europe.
On Sunday, March 24, 2019, Charles passed away with his loving wife by his side.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Linda (Cindy) Mills Tooker, brother-in-law, Bob Mills, brother George (Jed) Vanston, brother Timothy Vanston, and sister-in-law Angela Vanston. He is survived by his wife Marylin, brother John Vanston Jr., sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carolin and George Craft, brother-in-law Harry Tooker, several nieces and nephews, other family members, close friends David and Jeannie Hooten, and many dear friends.
Charles will be remembered as a kind, loving, funny, and talented person whose love of music made a difference in the lives of so many people.
Please make memorial donations to Texas A&M–Commerce Music Department or music program of your choice.
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