Howard Mitchell "Big Mitch"

Howard Mitchell, "Big Mitch", age 78 of Gary,In passed away February 15,2026. He was born August 11,1947 to the late OD Mitchell and Bernice Mitchell in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a graduate of Tolleston High School, class of 1967. He employed at (formerly) Universal Atlas Cement/Lehigh's Cement for over 29 years until his health started to decline. Later on in his life, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Lizzie West on September 22nd, 1979 and to this union they shared 2 children; Dashalia (Shay) West & La Wanda (Wannie) Mitchell. He was preceded in death by: his mother (Bernice
Mitchell and his father (OD Mitchell). He leaves to cherish his loving memories: his loving wife of 46 years: Lizzie Mitchell; his 2 daughters Dashalia (Shay) West of Gary, IN, La Wanda (Wannie) Mitchell of Merrillville, IN; his 5 grandchildren: Tiara & Tamia Payne of Gary, IN, Alvictor Hicks, Jr., of Merrillville, IN, Nicholas & Tamera West of Gary, IN; 5 siblings: Evelyn Mateen of Indianapolis, IN, Marvin (Carolyn) Mitchell of Gary, IN, Edwin Louie Mitchell
of Gary, IN, James Harold (Darlene) Mitchell of Indianapolis, IN, Kathryn Lesa Mitchell of Indianapolis, IN, and Michael Harris of Washington, D.C. precious sisters in love: Diane Richmond of Milwaukee, WI, and special caretaker Margaret West of Gary, IN; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces, great great nephews, cousins, and close family friends. Wake Thursday February 26,2026 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Funeral 11:00 a.m. all services at Powell-Coleman Funeral Home 3200 W. 15th Ave Gary,In. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Hobart,In.