Gene Andrew Mitchell

On Friday, August 7, 2020, Gene Andrew Mitchell, 77, of Benton, Illinois, passed from this life to his heavenly home to be with the Lord he loved and served.  He fought a long, brave battle with cancer and was surrounded by his loving family upon his passing.

Gene was born in West Frankfort, Illinois, on May 13, 1943, to Gene and Gladys Mitchell.  He married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Farmer, on September 3, 1961.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an electrician and instructor at the only mine warfare school that existed in the world at the time.  His service included involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis and sweeping mines in the Vietnam War.  He retired from Rend Lake College in 1999 where he taught electricity, electronics, and federal mining certification classes.  Many students were impacted by his instruction and influence.  Gene was active in his church, New Life Church of God.  He lived his life as a testimony to the Lord, who turned his life around.  He loved spending time with his family, his dog Toby, studying scripture, reading, and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Bill and Jeff Mitchell.  He is survived by his loving wife, Juanita, and his three loving children and their spouses, Lisa (Mike) Manis, Stephanie (Jeff) Moake, and Gene (Kendra) Mitchell II.  His grandchildren also surviving are Michael (Heather) Manis, Nicole (Michael) Strickler, Brandon (Katherine) Moake, Jared (Mikayla) Moake, Abigail Mitchell, and Christian Mitchell.  His seven precious great grandchildren, Hunter (13), Joshua (10), Benjamin (4), Sam (6), Will (6), Millie (2), and Warren (9 months) were a joy to his heart. Also surviving his Dear Brother Scott Mitchell.

A visitation will be held from 12 – 2 pm on Monday, August 10, 2020, at New Life Church of God in Benton, Illinois.  The funeral will follow the visitation at 2pm with Pastor Rod Joplin officiating.  Burial will be at Masonic Oddfellow Cemetery in Benton, Illinois, with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion and VFW Posts. 

Special thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Fisher House in St. Louis, Missouri, and to Dr. Tanios and the nursing staff at SIH Cancer Institute in Carterville, Illinois. We would also like to thank friends and family for their prayers and kind support.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Life Church of God or the Fisher House.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gene Andrew Mitchell, please visit our floral store.