Robert A. "Bob" Mitchell

Robert A. "Bob" Mitchell Battle Creek Robert A. "Bob" Mitchell, age 79, of Battle Creek, died Friday July 10, 2009, at Battle Creek Health System. Robert was born July 11, 1929, in Hermine, PA, the only child of Alexander and Pearl (Hopkin) Mitchell. He passed just one day shy of his 80th birthday. He graduated from Sewickley High School in 1947 having excelled in football and basketball. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduation and was stationed aboard the "USS Gen. G.M. Randall" which ran between the west coast and the orient. Bob met his future bride on a Greyhound bus while on leave. He and Marion L. Sisson were married on December 20, 1952, in Battle Creek. Bob worked as a car salesman most of his career, usually selling GM products. He also had his own used car lot on E. Emmett Street prior to moving to Alamo, TX, to help care for Marion's parents. Bob was an active member of the Elks, several bowling and golf leagues, and a friend to every stray kitten that crossed his path. In Texas, he sold storage buildings and spas. They later moved to the Nashville, TN area to be in the geographic middle between all their children. Bob worked as a resident driver/escort for a senior living facility in Nashville prior to his retirement. One of life's lessons he impressed upon his children is that you don't sell anything by running the competition down-be it a product or your own skills. The couple returned to the Battle Creek area in 2003 where they made their home at Hickory Hills. Both are members of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Marion (Sisson) Mitchell of Battle Creek; children, Ken (Lucy) of Kentucky, Barbara of Kalamazoo, David (Donna) of Waldorf, MD, Bill (Pat) of Conroe, TX; grandchildren, Lori Mitchell of Kalamazoo, Shari (Colin) Boone of Queen Creek, AZ, Jennifer (Michael) Williams of Conroe, TX, Megan Mitchell of Fairfax, VA, James Mitchell of College Station, TX; great-granddaughters, Paige and Peyten Williams, Jordyn Boone; brother-in-law, Bert (Karol) Sisson of Prudenville, MI; niece, Sue (Neal) Sisson of Mackinac Island, MI; numerous cousins in the Hermine, PA area and around the country. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 26th at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services to honor Bob's life will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 27, 2009, at the Funeral Home with the Rev. Diane Gordon officiating. Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, Trinity United Methodist Church or the American Diabetes Association