Lewis Alan "Lew" Mitchell

Lewis Alan "Lew" Mitchell, 73, of Vandalia, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025, surrounded by his family.

A Prayer Service led by Father Seth Brown of Mother of Dolors Catholic Church will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, Illinois, with visitation following until 7:00 PM. An additional visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Point Pleasant Cemetery, Long Creek, Illinois. Miller Funeral Home in Vandalia, IL, is in charge of the arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.

Lew was born on October 4, 1952, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Lewis J. Mitchell and Joyce J. Mitchell. He grew up in Mt. Zion, Illinois, living across from the Long Creek Fire Department, where his father proudly served as Fire Chief for many years. Lew married Barbara Ann (Brickey) Mitchell on November 15, 1975, in St. Louis, Missouri, sharing 46 years of marriage before her passing.

Lew was a proud graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Government and Administration of Justice, and later completed his Master's Degree at Sangamon State University in Springfield, Illinois.

He dedicated 30 years of service to the Illinois Department of Corrections, beginning his career at Vandalia Correctional Center and spending the majority of his career at Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro, Illinois, before retiring as a Lieutenant. A Christian man and devoted community member, Lew continued serving others in retirement by mowing lawns for the community and for Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry for over 20 years.

Earlier in life, Lew was active in men's slow-pitch softball and served as league commissioner for 20 years He was an avid sports fan, especially of the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Rams (now the New Orleans Saints), Los Angeles Lakers, and Indiana Fever. Lew valued education and lifelong learning, and he proudly instilled in his children a strong appreciation for sports, teamwork, and discipline. He enjoyed working on lawn mowers, cars, and radios, weight lifting, and spending time outdoors. A true homebody, Lew cherished his daily routine, time spent with family enjoying television shows together, the companionship of his beloved cats, and never missed a day of exercise. He especially treasured time with his granddaughters.

Lew is survived by his children, Kara E. Gillan of Blue Springs, MO, and Gregory L. Mitchell and his wife, Nikki Mae Mitchell, of Decatur, IL; granddaughters Ellie Joyce Mitchell and Ella Mae Mitchell of Decatur, IL; and sister Sharon (Jim) Garbett of Moline, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis J. and Joyce J. Mitchell, and by his beloved wife, Barbara A. Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mother of Dolors Catholic Church, Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry, and The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF)

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the caregivers and staff at St. Louis Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Alton Memorial Hospital, and Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital of Vandalia for their compassionate care and support.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

- John 3:16