Walter Mitchell

1918 - 2012

Walter Norman Mitchell
July 29, 1918 - June 16, 2012
Walter (Waddie) Norman Mitchell, husband, loving father, adored grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on June 16, 2012 in Merced.
Walter was born on July 29, 1918 at his grandparent's ranch in rural Le Grand.  His parents were Joseph Adrian Mitchell and Sara (Sadie) Rose James Mitchell.  The Mitchell family was an early Merced County pioneering family.
Walter spent his childhood in Le Grand on several ranches that his father farmed.  Walter graduated from Le Grand High School in 1936, where he lettered in 6 sports.  Walter attended Fresno State College where he was on the football, baseball and track teams.  Walter served in the navy during World War II.
Walter married his beloved wife, Elsie Kisling, on June 5, 1943 in Los Banos.  They were married for 64 years before Elsie's death in 2007.
Walter was a Merced County softball pitcher for many years, starting in 1934, playing for many local teams.  His most famous softball game was on September 13, 1951 when he played for Reiman Mills.  Walter pitched 22 innings and won the game 4 to 3.  He struck out 31 men and at this time it was the longest game played in Merced County.  Walter excelled as a player and coach and helped softball become a popular sport in the Central Valley.   Walter was inducted into the Merced County Athletic Hall of Fame on November 9, 1977.  He struck the most poignant and humorous note of the night when in accepting his award, stated, "If I have one regret, it's that I'd like to do it all over again."
Walter retired from the Merced County Surveyor's office in 1980.
Walter was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two sisters, Mary Webber and Isabelle Egling, and infant daughter, Carol Jean Mitchell. He is survived by 3 children, daughter, Sharon (Bill) White, Sandy, Utah; daughter, Linda Painter, Fresno, California; son, Bill (Charlene) Mitchell, Merced; 6 grandchildren, Brian (Danielle) White, Layton, Utah; Jim (Mary) White, Grayslake, Illinois; Kristi (Geoff) Wilson, Sherman Oaks, California;Mark Painter, Fresno, California; Billy Mitchell, Merced, California and Mandi Mitchell, Fresno, California; 5 great grandchildren, Jimmy, Bobby, and Jeremy White, Grayslake, Illinois; Zachary White, Layton, Utah, and Madeline Wilson, Sherman Oaks, California; cousins, nieces, nephews, and sister-in-law, Emma Kisling. Walter will be missed by his family and friends.
Graveside services will be private.  A Memorial service will be at Ivers and Alcorn in Merced on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 11:00 A. M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Walter's name to your favorite charity.
 
 
 
 
 
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