ROBERT FRANKLIN MITCHELL

     Robert Franklin “Bob” Mitchell, 77, of Henderson, died at 9:33 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at his home.

     Bob was born May 2, 1946, in Owensboro, Kentucky, to Robert Joseph and Anna Rogers Heppler Mitchell.  He was the oldest of six children and grew up in Reed, Kentucky.

     He graduated from Brescia University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Sociology and Psychology; Murray State University in 1971 with a Master of Arts in Secondary Education, and again in 1974 with a Rank I in Educational Administration.  Working 28 years in education, Bob began his career as a teacher/educator in 1967 with Owensboro Catholic High School.  In 1968 he began his career with the Henderson County School System, from 1968-1975 he taught Sociology and Psychology at Henderson County Senior High School.  In 1975, he became principal of Robards Elementary School where he would remain until 1989.  He truly loved the purple and white and will forever be a “Robards Eagle”.  From 1989 until his retirement in 1996, Bob served in many capacities with the Henderson County Board of Education Central Office working as Director of Pupil Personnel, Student Services Director, School Health Coordinator, Extended School Coordinator, and Assistant Superintendent of Transportation, Buildings and Grounds.

     Upon retirement from the school system,  Bob was hired as the Executive Director of Involvement, Inc., where he served in that capacity for 20 years from 1996-2016. 

     For 38 years, Bob could be found working the pari-mutuel and information window at Ellis Park race course.  

     During his distinguished 48-year career, Bob was recognized and honored as a two time Kentucky Colonel under appointments from Governors Julian Carroll and Wallace Wilkinson, the 1977 Business and Professional Women of Henderson “Boss of the Year”, 1987 Kentucky Recipient of the National 4-H Council “Salute to Excellence” Award, 1995 U.S. Army Patriotic Civilian Service Award, 1999 Brescia University Alumni Presidents Award, 2005 Tri-County Labor Council “Citizen of the Year”, 2009 U.S. Presidential Volunteerism Award, 2011 Brescia University Father Charles Saffer Distinguished Alumni Award, and the 2016 Kyndle Distinguished Citizen of the Year. 

     In 1979, Bob joined  Henderson Lodge Number 206 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  The Elks and their mission soon became one of Bob’s lifelong passions.  During his 45 years of association with the Elks, Bob held numerous committee and leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels serving as the Exalted Ruler of the Henderson Lodge, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Kentucky West, Kentucky State Elks President, Kentucky State Elks Secretary and Treasurer, and Grand Treasurer of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks USA.  During his work with the Elks, Bob was awarded the 2010 Henderson Elks Lodge “Elk of the Year”, 2004 and 2005 Kentucky Elks Officer of the Year Award, a four-time recipient of the National Elks Youth Activities Outstanding Service Award 1992-1995, and 2005 Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award. 

     Bob always believed that one should give of one’s time and treasure to his community.  Over his lifetime he gave countless hours and served on many boards including Teens Who Care, Reed and Baskett Volunteer Fire Departments, Riverview School, Henderson County and Green River and Kentucky 4-H Leader’s Councils, Henderson County and Green River Extension Councils, Henderson County Extension Tax District, Henderson United Way, 51st Judicial District Commission Advisory Board, CATCH Primary Care Advisory Board, Friends of Audubon, Henderson City Police Juvenile Crime Council, Henderson County Council of Community Service Agencies, Operation Community Pride, Henderson County ASAP, Henderson Family Court Advisory Board, Henderson County Adult Drug Court, and his beloved Brescia University and its Alumni Board.

     Bob had many hobbies.  He was a master gardener and loved working in both his flower and vegetable gardens.  He had a passion for making wine and had a big time coming up with the names that he called his various blends.  He loved to barbecue, and the Sunday before Thanksgiving, he hosted a well-known barbecue event with his lifelong friend Bill Denton.  He was an avid crossword puzzle worker, something he inherited from his mother.             

     He was a member of the Catholic faith and attended St. Augustine Catholic Church.

     He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Mary Angela Eblen Mitchell, one daughter Paula Kay Mayfield-Ford, one grandson Bennett Emmanuel Mitchell, his parents Robert Joseph and Anna Rogers Heppler Mitchell, and one brother Ralph Eugene Mitchell.

     Survivors include two sons, Robert Ezra Mitchell and his wife, April, of Spottsville, and Joseph Puhr Mitchell and his wife Sabrina, of Mooresville, North Carolina; three sisters, Dee Anna Booker, Mary Martin Cooper and her husband Michael, Laura Bea Mitchell and her partner Karen; one brother, Jay Aloysius Mitchell and his wife Yolanda; nine grandchildren, Zachary Drake Barnard of San Francisco, CA, Emily Ann Mitchell of Hopkinsville and her finance Elijah Stewart, Robert Davis Mitchell of Los Angeles, CA, Ellie McCallister Mitchell of Bowling Green, Samuel Rogers Mitchell of Spottsville, Audrey Kathleen Mitchell, Elias Franklin Mitchell, and Ezra Joseph Mitchell, all of Mooresville, North Carolina, Lillian Elizabeth Mayfield and Mary Margaret Mayfield both of Evansville, Indiana; one son-in-law, Skyler G. Ford of Evansville; one brother-in-law, Charles Thomas Eblen and his wife, Patsy; one sister-in-law, Deborah Jane Mitchell; nieces and nephews.

     Services will be at Noon on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Reed.  Father William R. Thompson will officiate with Father John R. Vaughan.  Burial will be at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery.

     Prayers will be said at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.  Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to service time Wednesday at the church and an Elks memorial service will be held prior to burial at St. Augustine Cemetery.

     Pallbearers will be Zach Barnard, Davis Mitchell, Sam Mitchell, Eli Mitchell, Garry Eblen, Barry Eblen, John Booker and Jeremy Booker.

     Please make expressions of sympathy to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks National Foundation, Brescia University, St. Augustine Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice.

     Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.