Kenneth M. Mitchell

1947 - 2022

Kenneth M. Mitchell, minister, teacher, loyal brother, loving son, uncle and friend, sadly passed away Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, at a senior living facility, The Sheridan at Bethel Park. He died as a result of late-stage dementia at the age of 74. A wise man once stated, "if you must choose, take a good name rather than great riches; for to be held in loving esteem is better than silver and gold." Proverbs 22:1 The Living Bible. Ken chose a good name rather than riches and in doing so was held in loving esteem by many in the community. Ken received a master's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught at McKeesport Senior High School for four decades and was loved by his students, students' parents and fellow teachers. In a 2004 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette survey, Ken received several nominations for the top educators who made a difference in Western Pennsylvania. He loved teaching - making a difference. He especially enjoyed teaching the Bible as a minister of Jehovah's Witnesses. Ken firmly believed that following Bible principles could improve the life of anyone who wished to apply them. He felt that the application of Bible principles could draw families together, make people more honest, make better husbands and fathers, better wives and mothers, better children, better employees. Additionally, whenever a loved one died, Ken was comforted by the Bible's resurrection hope expressed in Acts 24:15. Ken looked forward to being reunited with mother, father, brothers and friends in a restored environment, a paradise earth free from sickness and death. Ken enjoyed playing basketball, listening to music, playing name that tune (50's 60's and 70's songs) with family, reading and volunteering and helping others. He was known for his creative imagination, compassionate spirit and beautiful smile. Ken is survived by brothers, William Mitchell, of Novato, Calif., Paul Mitchell, of Pittsburgh, sister and brother-in-law, Linda Williams and Callie Williams, of Pittsburgh; nieces, Kristen Porter, husband Jason Porter, of Wallkill, N.Y., and Andrea Mitchell, of Novato, Calif.; cousins, June Washington and husband, Cyrus Washington, of Columbus, Ga., Jerry Elkins and wife, Beverly Elkins, of Denver, Colo., and Sandra and Cheryl Elkins, of White Oak. He was preceded in death by his father, William, and mother, Lorraine, brothers, Leonard and Edward, and sister-in-law, Rosalind Mitchell. Arrangements are by the GILBERT FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY INC., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131, 412-672-6322, Troy J. Gilbert, director. There will be no services at this time. A celebration of life will be held via Zoom at a later date. Please check back for a Zoom link once a date has been decided. The family would like to thank The Sheridan at Bethel Park for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be directed to donate.jw.org. Condolences can be made at www.Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.