Thomas John Mitchell Sr

Thomas John Mitchell, Sr. passed away peacefully at home, with family around him, on December 23,2021 after a long battle with kidney illness. He was 81. Tom was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 30, 1939 to Edward James (Jim) & Kathleen Mitchell and was the youngest of their two sons. He moved to Sacramento, California when he was one.

Tom joined the army in 1957. While Tom was in the army, Elvis Presley was enlisting. Tom got a kick out of the fact he walked right by him while signing up. After his service in the army, Tom was a member of the National Guard for two years.

He met the love of his life, Bonnie, in 1959 and they were married on November 4, 1961.They soon welcomed their first son Thomas Jr, followed by Lisa, Christie and Michael.

Tom was an entrepreneur, growing many businesses over the years including building homes, mini-mart gas stations, and a fabrication business.

A few of his favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, and camping. One of his proudest accomplishments was building a 1929 Ford Roadster. He loved going out to see live music with Bonnie. He also enjoyed having a racing team and racing cars. He did drag race at Sacramento Raceway and short track racing out at All American Speedway in Roseville. In later years, he loved going out to All America Speedway to watch his son Michael and granddaughter Kenna racing!

Tom loved all animals. You could often find him befriending birds, squirrels and any dog or cat he came across.

In addition to being a loving husband and father, he had nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his father Jim, mother Kathleen, and grandson Mitchell. He is survived by his wife Bonnie; his children Thomas Mitchell, Jr., Lisa (Mitchell) Bazile, Christie Romano, and Michael Mitchell. His grandchildren; Jessica Mitchell, Lindy Lopez, Macullay Bazile, Brittany Romano, John Paul Romano, Katelynn Romano, Kenna Mitchell, and Tayler Mitchell, and eight great-grandchildren; Bentley West, Brynnly West, Braxton West, Peyton Buckreus, Paisley Mitchell, Kingston Lopez, Ava Melrose, Mateo Lopez.

A memorial Service will be held on March 9, 2022 at 3pm at Lambert Funeral Home, 400 Douglas Blvd., Roseville, CA. 95678.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA, supporting Tom's love of animals.