Paul MITCHELL

MITCHELL, Paul Passed away peacefully on May 14, 2012. Paul was born on June 6, 1925, in Los Angeles to Ralph and Gertrude Mitchell. He attended Los Angeles High School, where he was a proud "saint". He graduated from U.C.L.A. and served in the U.S. Navy in World War II. He was a member of the "Greatest Generation." Paul met Lois Mary Akerblom, the love of his life, at a fraternity party in 1949. They were married on September 2, 1950. Paul and Lois settled in Orange in 1952. He was an industrial packaging salesman, the first advertising manager for Alpha Beta Food Markets, operated his own advertising agency for 24 years, where he promoted Walter and Cordelia Knott's Berry Farm. He was Vice President of Public Relations for Carl Karcher Enterprises (Carl's Jr. Restaurants). He retired in 1991, enjoyed traveling, visiting his seven children and 13 grandchildren. Paul was recognized for his work on the California Special Olympics by the City of Orange. The council declared Jan. 26, 1984 as "Paul Mitchell Day".
Paul is survived by Lois, his wife of 61 years. Together they raised seven children: Phyllis Sharum, daughters Kate and Kelly, Maggie Burbridge (Thom), Sara and Johnny, Ralph Mitchell (Dianne), Elise and Melanie, Janet May (Michael), Luke (Brittney), Tim, Melissa, David, who preceded Paul in death, (Bridgette), Clara, Matthew, Theresa Mitchell (Ginger), and Michele Hoyum (Dene), Jeffrey, Margaret. Paul was preceded in death by his son, David, his parents and his older brother, Ralph. There will be a funeral Mass at Holy Family Cathedral in Orange, Saturday, May 19 at 11am. Father Christopher Smith will celebrate the mass. Please send donations to: The Mercy House, care of Father Jerome Karcher, PO Box 1905, Santa Ana, CA 92702. or Little Sisters of the Poor, 2100 Western Ave., San Pedro, CA 90732.