Donald Mitchell, 80, passed away Jan. 17, 2003. He was born on
May 29, 1922, to Clarence and Gemma Mitchell in Gilroy.
Donald Mitchell, 80, passed away Jan. 17, 2003. He was born on May 29, 1922, to Clarence and Gemma Mitchell in Gilroy. He was the youngest of three siblings. He was raised and went to school in Gilroy, while working for Baxter’s Tire Service, until he was called to join the Army-Air Corps. in 1941.
While he was stationed in Shafter, he met Beth Jane Carlson. After a long-distance relationship and returning to the United States, he married Beth Jane in September 1945. Following their marriage they decided to move to Gilroy to begin their family and again went to work for Baxter’s Tire Service, where he eventually purchased the business from Mr. Baxter in 1955. He sold Baxter’s Tire Service in 1979 and pursued traveling and working with a few recreational campgrounds. In more recent years, he enjoyed bowling with friends and spending time with family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Beth Jane; and his two daughters, Roberta and her husband, Don of Bakersfield and Peggy and Ronnie of Washington State; 5 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Bakersfield Family Funeral at 701 34th Street, Bakersfield.
In lieu of flowers, please make charitable contributions to the American Heart Association. Bakersfield Family Funeral Directors
