Bertrand "Bert" Mitchell Jr.

1948 - 2019

Bertrand "Bert" Mitchell Jr.
PEORIA - Bertrand "Bert" Mitchell Jr. of Peoria passed away peacefully on Monday, January 14, 2019, in West Peoria, after a prolonged illness. His family and friends surrounded him with support and prayer throughout his lifetime.
Bertrand, who was often called by his nickname "Bert," was described by his friends as authentic, loyal and determined to share his point of view. He was bold, straightforward and a rebel.
He was born on October 20, 1948, in Peoria. He graduated from Peoria High School in 1967. Bert worked briefly at Sears in the automotive department before going into the United Stated Air Force. He served his country proudly during the war in Vietnam from November 8, 1969 to January 23, 1975. He completed his training at the Air Force base in Minot, North Dakota, and loved to regale his family with stories about winters in Minot. Bertrand received an honorable discharge as a Senior Staff Sergeant and returned to Peoria to work at CILCO from 1979 to 1983. He then went to work as a maintenance supervisor for a housing complex in Atlanta, Georgia, for eight years. Bert was known for his ability to repair almost anything and to tinker with cars. He enjoyed debating friends and family about politics, sports, foreign affairs and health care for veterans.
He leaves to reflect upon his life his children, Lisa Renee Mitchell of Atlanta, GA, and Lory Monique Mitchell of Austin, TX; three grandchildren, Legend Mitchell, Lia Mitchell and Lauryn Jackson of Austin, TX; two sisters, Rosemary McCullough of Peoria, IL, and Gloria (James) Oliver of Maumee, OH; one brother, Clifton John Mitchell of Peoria, IL; and two nephews, Frederick Derk McCullough of Cincinnati, OH, and Randall Gordon (Tamara) Oliver of Troy, OH. His former wife, Linda S. Mitchell, survives and lives in Kansas City, MO. His parents, Bertrand and Geraldine Mitchell, preceded him in death. He also leaves one aunt, Louise Porter of Nashville, TN; and family and friends in various cities throughout the country.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service officiated by Pastor Samuel T. Duren is scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church, 323 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Peoria, IL. The family will receive family and friends at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. before the memorial service.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co., Pekin/Peoria, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com.