Alfred Darnell Mitchell

Alfred Darnell Mitchell, 87, of Beaumont, passed away on Tuesday July 16, 2013 at The Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tennessee. A native of Paris, Texas he was born on April 24, 1926 to his parents Alfred Herman Mitchell and Zelda Alice Scarborough Mitchell who preceded in him in death. Also preceding him in death is his first wife Irma Sibley Mitchell, second wife Melissa Lisa Mitchell, son Richard Darnell Mitchell, Daughter Latricia Collum and Brother Herman Alvis Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was a Process Shift Supervisor for Mobil Oil Corporation and retired after 34 years of dedicated service. He was a World War II and Korean Conflict Navy veteran and during the war served with the Underwater Demolition Team known then as Frogmen which currently are known as Navy Seals. Darnell had memories of clearing the beaches of Iwo Jima going in with General McArthur to the Philippines and surviving the Kamikaze attack of The USS Blessman and many other landings. Mr. Mitchell is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Bonnie Mitchell of Lumberton, Tx, daughters Donna Harrist and husband Wayne of Lafayette, La., Linda Smith and husband Weldon of Tyler, Tx, Jean Brown of San Antonio,Tx, sons, James Brown and wife Sarah of Willis, Tx, Jim Coe and wife Lynn of Houston, Tx, brother, Don Mitchell and wife Bonnie of Hastings, Mn, sisters Lytha Hawkins and Fay Mitchel both of Beaumont, Tx, sister-in-law Peggy Mitchell of Dayton, Tx. Also surviving are four grandsons, Jonathan Harrist and wife Elise of Houston, Tx, Sidney Collum and wife Stacy, Troy Smith and wife Denise, and Ricky Collum all of Tyler. There are also 5 great grandchildren. Mr. Mitchell carried a very positive outlook on life, loved children, animals and always was able to see the best in everyone. He thoroughly enjoyed using his hands doing woodworking. Funeral service for Mr. Mitchell will be Saturday July 20, 2013 at 12:00 Noon at the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home with visitation starting at 9:30 A.M. until service time with Dr. Ralph Thompson and Dr. Billy Graff officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be Wayne Harrist, Jonathan Harrist, James Brown, Jesse Orr, Troy Smith, and David Buckner. In honor of his love for church growth, donations may be given to Gathering Church at 2394 West Lucas Beaumont, Texas, 77706 or the mailing address, P.O. Box 7310 Beaumont, Texas, 77726. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the loving care administered to Darnell by Dr. Timothy K. Colgan, Greg Gilbreath, Dr. Robert Hood and Dr. Reji John.