Harland was born in 1936 in Cove, Arkansas to Henry and Dorothy Mitchell. He was one of 11 children and the second of five brothers. His family moved to California when he was a young boy.
Harland joined the Army at the age of 17 and earned his high school diploma while serving his country. He married his neighborhood sweetheart, Patricia, in 1962. He retired from the phone company after 30 years in 1995.
Harland was preceded in death by his brothers Avon, Monroe and Roy, and sisters Estelle, Wilma, Mary, and Dorothy.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Polston) of Chowchilla, his son Daniel and wife Sandra, and their two children, Heather and Alyssa all of Alaska, his daughter Teresa Thissen and husband Matthew, and their two children Karch (Sandra) Thissen, and Sierra (Eddie) Fickling, all of Merced. He is also survived by his brothers Norman of Texas, Ray of Arizona, and sister June Tadlock of Merced.
A graveside service will be held at the Chowchilla Cemetery on Thursday August 8, 2024 at 9 a.m. A family reception will follow at Palm Memorial Worden Chapel at 140 S 6th Street, Chowchilla, California.
Herman Douglas "Doug" Marsh, 83, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, in Merced, California. He's was a longtime resident of Chowchilla, California. Born on March 15, 1941, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Doug embarked on a lifelong career in agriculture from the tender age of 15 with his family relocating from Arkansas to the West-side of the Central Valley of California. His dedication and hard work saw him rise to the esteemed positions of General Ranch Manager and President of the Board at a prominent 12,888-acre farm and cattle ranch in California.
Doug married his beloved wife Evelyn in 1962, and together they built a life filled with love and dedication, welcoming their son Kenny in 1963 and daughter Shannon in 1969. The family later found their home in Chowchilla, where Doug continued to work until his retirement in 2013.
As a man of faith, Doug attended Chowchilla First Assembly of God where he participated in various spiritual activities with his family, when work permitted him to do so, until illness in his last years kept him from attending public events. He often talked about his grandmother, who was a devout Christian, and he watched Billy Graham crusades and Jimmy Swaggart on occasion. He also enjoyed Southern Gospel music.
Doug leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Evelyn; his children, Kenny Marsh and Shannon Deckers; and his grandchildren, Alison and Justin Deckers. He is also survived by four brothers and a sister residing in Texas and California. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters.
Doug's life was marked by his unwavering work ethic, his passion for ranching, and his family. His legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched.
Please join us in remembering Harland Mitchell by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Mitchell Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger and Sierra Calvert, Assistant.
