Gerald Mitchell

1945 - 2025

Gerald Mitchell
June 4, 1945 - February 16, 2025

Gerald Mitchell, 79, passed away peacefully at home February 16, 2025 with family by his side. Gerald was born in O'Neil, NE, the second of four children born to Lee and Betty Young Mitchell. At an early age his family moved to a farm in Boise and later to Meridian where he attended school. Gerald excelled in football, basketball and track setting records at Meridian High School which lasted years. He reveled in the many friends he made wherever he went. The stories of his shenanigans are legendary. In 1965 he married Darcy Gardner in Boise. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this summer. They had a love and marriage envied by all. Upon graduation from Boise State College with a degree in education, they loaded up, moving to Midvale, where he taught science and coached the sports he loved. It was during this time Michele and Eric joined the family. A highlight of these years was living on and spending summers watching for forest fires at Packer John Lookout. It was not long before another teaching opportunity arose, and the family moved to Caldwell where he taught and coached at Middleton. Gerald earned his master's from the College of Idaho, and was hired as the principal at Middleton Jr. High. In 1978 the family moved to Fruitland where he became an insurance agent for the next 30 years. He enjoyed meeting new clients, many who became lifelong friends. Gerald and Darcy were very involved in supporting their kids, community and church where he volunteered with Fruitland Booster Club, Friends of Fruitland, WICAP and Lions Club. It wasn't long until his passion for service drove him to public service where he was elected as a Payette County Commissioner. This was another way to serve his community and those around him. This afforded him the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for ICRMP. He was instrumental in the creation of the Clay Peak Landfill ensuring the needs of the community were provided far into the future. As much as he loved serving his community and friends, his greatest joy was spending time with Darcy and his family. As long as Darcy was by his side, the world was right. He was the man he was because of the love and support he received from his beloved Darc. Family dinners were always a weekly occurrence where topics ranged from politics to travel to finance to the various goings-on of his friends and family. He loved camping hunting, sideXside rides, going for a drive with Darcy or traveling the world. These travels took him from Iceland to Antarctica, Europe to the Galapagos and Patagonia. He was never content to stop doing, learning and teaching others.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Darcy; daughter, Michele Chadwick; son, Eric (Sandy); grandsons, Jacob Sherrer (Katie), Noah Sherrer (Rosi); great-grandchildren, Olivia, Hatcher, Melanie, Sophie and Isabella; sisters, Judy Barczak (Bill), Teresa Pulliam (Pat); brother, Roy Mitchell (Mary); sister-in-law, Jeanie Frost (Lee); brother-in-law, Bill Gardner (Jan); and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Daniel Chadwick.

An Open House to honor Gerald's life will be held May 16, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in New Plymouth, from 11 to 2. Remember Gerald for the honorable man he was, treating others with kindness, fairness and respect. He believed in the goodness in others and always wanted what was best. When you think of him, do a good deed in his honor. Donations may be sent Idaho Public Television or a charity of your choice. God is good...all the time; and as he always reminded us, "Life is Good".