Francis J. Mitch

Francis "Frank" Mitch departed this life peacefully on November 1, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 2, 1928, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Johnnie and Emma Mitch. He was a beloved husband of 59 years to Edna, loving father of Michelle Poole-Groomer (Dave), Susie West (Harvey), Missy Berninzoni (Jon), and cherished grandfather of Joshua Poole, Joshua Groomer, Callie West, Kristen West, Lucas Berninzoni, and Bella Berninzoni. He is survived by his brother Gene Mitch and his sister Loretta Drain.

Frank graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, with a degree in Chemistry. He worked as a Research Chemist for Texaco Inc. for 36 years. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, and served with honor during World War II as a Quarter Master Seaman. He was on the USS Comstock (LSD19) and the USS PCE 881. He received the Victory Medal WW II.

Frank and Edna were married on November 16th, 1957 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Houston, TX. They made many lifelong friends, began their family, and raised their three daughters in the Bellaire area. He unconditionally loved his wife, his daughters, and their families. He was proud of his family and found them a source of great joy and pride. Above all of his pursuits, he put others above himself.

Frank was a devout Catholic and a dedicated man to his church community. As a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church for 57 years, he served the parish in many ways. He enjoyed volunteering at the annual bazaar by helping to total the proceeds and the first Monday of each month counting the church collections.

Frank was a man of many names – Frank, Uncle Francis, Uncle Mitch, F.J., Mitch. He was the most unassuming man of significant accomplishments and travel. He took great pleasure in researching his family’s genealogy, which included travel to various locations around the U.S. to gather information from distant relatives. In later years, Frank and Edna enjoyed domestic and international travel which included visits to Europe, Hong Kong, Alaska, the Midwest, and visiting their daughter’s family in South America.

He possessed a dry wit and appreciated a well-told, corny joke. He enjoyed reading, gardening, playing the piano and working on his investments. After retirement, he played with the Ragtimers, a ukulele group, performing at various assisted living facilities, nursing homes or where ever they were requested.

Never one to take the limelight, he selflessly exalted, with pride, the achievements of his daughters and grandchildren, any chance he had. He is remembered as a caring and selfless man who always put others first. He will be greatly missed and will live forever in the hearts and minds of the many lives he touched.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 pm, Monday, November 7, 2016 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 6921 Chetwood, Houston, TX 77081.

Pallbearers are Joshua Poole, Joshua Groomer, Callie West, Kristen West, Lucas Berninzoni and Bella Berninzoni.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to be made to the charity of your choice.

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