Calvin Mace Mitchell

Calvin Mace Mitchell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on February 17, 1939, in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. He grew up from age 6 in Green Forest, Arkansas, where his family moved in 1945. He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Mary Keith ("Keesie"), his two sons, George Bradley and Craig Ernest, his grandchildren, Matthew ("Mats") Mace, Anna Gustava, and Evelina Roisin, his brother George Ernest, sister Dorothy Nell, and many beloved nieces and nephews. His brother Don B passed away in 1997.

His parents, George Ernest and Alma Thyrza, who moved from teaching in small Texas towns to homesteading in New Mexico during the Depression-instilled in him a deep sense of perseverance and resilience. He often told stories of the family's early years: hauling water from windmills, welcoming travelers with food, and learning that integrity and kindness were forms of wealth all their own.

After graduating from Green Forest High School in Arkansas, where he excelled both academically and athletically, Calvin earned his degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arkansas and later a master's degree from the University of Nebraska. His career began at Procter & Gamble, managing the production of everything from soap to toothpaste to cake mixes. He later worked for Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, Illinois, Pasadena, California, and Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. One of his proudest achievements was building an independent electrical generation plant for Abbott to ensure reliable production of antibiotics.

Calvin also proudly served in the U.S. Army in the early 1960s, stationed outside Munich, Germany as part of a missile operations team. There, he and his wife, Mary Keith Hurley ("Keesie"), traveled extensively throughout Europe - adventures they cherished for the rest of their lives.

Calvin always put family first. He spent time with his sons every weekend he could, sharing his passion for golf and tennis, going on sailing trips, or travelling to expand their awareness of the world. He brought the family back to Arkansas, where he grew up, at every opportunity, so they could know their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.

During his later years working for a small company in Scottsdale, Arizona, he developed a passion for hiking that led him to complete the Grand Canyon rim-to-river-and-back trek four separate times in his 70s. He retired at 78, and returned to his Bonita Springs, Florida home where he enjoyed watching the birds and boats from his dock.

Calvin was always a member of a local church, the last being Covenant Church of Naples, Florida. His faith guided every part of his life, how he loved his family, how he led with humility, and how he treated others with generosity and respect.

His life reminds us that stories like the ones he so loved to tell, are the threads that bind generations. His voice and wisdom will live on in the family he cherished.

Funeral Service will be October 25, 2025, at the Nelson's Green Forest Chapel at 10:00 A.M. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc 2025.