Marlin Mitchell

Duane Mitchell 85, of Abilene passed away on June 26, 2023, at his home. He was born
to Thomas Wilmer Mitchell and Anna Louise (Wheeler) Mitchell on October 02, 1937 in
Granbury, Texas. Duane attended school in Abilene and graduating from Abilene High School
in 1955 and attended McMurray College for a few semesters.
He married Ginger Spargo in 1974, from this union they had a son Christopher Mitchell.
Duane has two daughters from his first marriage, Vicki Groce and Tracy Goodwin.
Duane spent six years in the Naval Reserves, which included serving as a Helmsman Striker,
Seaman III on the Destroyer Escort USS Hass. Most of his working years were with Merchants Motor Lines, as a line driver and several years as their line driver supervisor. He had over 28 years and over three million safe driving miles.
Duane enjoyed being involved in sports, including helping coach Chris in Little League and
watching the grandson and granddaughters play basketball or their chosen sports. Duane and
Ginger spent many hours traveling to rod runs and car shows in his 1934 pick-up that had belonged to his Uncle Harrison Mitchell. They belonged to the Abilene Street Rod Association, whose charity was Meals on Wheels. Duane always had at least one street rod in the garage that was either restored or waiting to be worked on, he also kept a dirt bike nearby. Duane helped judge car shows for 17 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Those left to cherish his memory is his wife Ginger
Mitchell, Son Christopher Mitchell and Daughters Vicki Groce and Tracy Goodwin (Gary); sister
Diane Ward; two Granddaughters Tristan Payne (Daniel), Jamie Beck (Wacy); grandson Nathan Groce (Jessie); niece Cari Springfield Schwab; nephew Mitchell Springfield, two great-nephews and one great-niece.
Many thanks go to Kinder Hearts for their wonderful Hospice Care and Fire Station # 7 for the times they responded to calls for lifting help. Duane's favorite quote was "Worry less about more". A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Online Condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com.