Paul Thomas Mitchell

Paul was born in Galveston, Texas, on June 8, 1972, and graduated from Clear Lake High School, where he lettered on the Varsity football team during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. After graduation, he served in the United States Marine Corp.

His true passion and obsession was fishing, which prompted him to become a certified Merchant Marine. Because of this and his dedication to enhancing life for his family, he started his own guiding service, Team Mitchell Fishing LLC. Paul participated in many trout and redfish tournaments, including many Spectacular Series Tournaments and the FLW Tournament seen on ESPN last year. He was a long time member of CCA and a former member of GCCA.

Active at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Baytown, Paul was a member of and led Bible studies for The Connectors. With Jesus as his guide, he embraced his true calling in helping others. He was a Head Journeyman-Lineman with Centerpoint Energy and a member of IBEW Local 66 for eleven years, which allowed him to help others in need. His position placed him as the leader of 100+man crews, a major force in restoring power to the LaPorte area during the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, as well as earlier recovery efforts following other major hurricanes in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Paul, so respected, easily praised his family and his God. He truly loved his family, and this is reflected in the deep love and respect that they have for him. He was a kind, loving husband to Joanna and a patient, loving father to William 5, and Ashlyn 2, sharing fun times swimming, fishing, and playing basketball. He was also a thoughtful, caring son and brother.

Paul is survived by his wife, Joanna King Mitchell; a son, William Paul Mitchell; a daughter, Ashlyn Elizabeth Mitchell, all of Mont Belvieu; mother, Lorelei Mitchell of Trinity; sisters Kipp Cloud and husband Robert of Friendswood, Jill McCammon and husband Mike Lumpkin of Seattle, and Wendy Perez and husband John of Webster; brothers Gordon Johnson of Willis and Ty Mitchell of Clear Lake; sister-in-law Sandra Kubelka and husband Michael of Dallas; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and special friends at Centerpoint Energy, St. Mark's United Methodist Church, and the fishermen of the Galveston Bay Complex.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 6, 2009, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 3811 N. Main, Baytown, Texas 77521.

A memorial service at St, Mark's will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael Proctor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Marks UMC in Paul's name for a scholarship that will be determined by the family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Drive, Baytown, Texas 77521, (281) 422-8111.