Rev. Ernest Russell Mitchell was surrounded by his loving family in his home when he received his heavenly reward at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017. The youngest of thirteen children, he was born on November 2, 1918, in Cape Charles, Va., to Revs. Willard and Bessie Mitchell.
At age 15, he joined his brother, Roland (J. R. Mitchell), in Colorado Springs, Colo. He attended and graduated from Peoples Bible School. On December 24, 1941, he married Leora Belle Loughmiller, who predeceased him in 1988. He then married Phyllis Ihrkey on January 19, 1991.
He had 50 years of pastoral ministry: Miamisburg, Ohio; East Palestine, Ohio; Toronto, Canada; Hillsboro, Wisconsin; Salem, Ohio; Covington, Kentucky; and Hartford City, Indiana. In addition, he was a General Evangelist of The Wesleyan Church. After his active retirement, he continued to minister as an interim pastor and held many funerals and weddings.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; four children: Carolyn (Tom) Wilson, Ovid, Michigan; Everett (Valerie) Mitchell, Loxahatchee, Florida; Loretta (Phil) Enlow, Anderson, Indiana; and Sharon Allene (Bob) Marcum, Chatfield, Ohio; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at Westview Wesleyan Church, 1300 W. 6th St., Jonesboro, Ind.
A celebration of life service is at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at the church with one hour visitation prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. The Revs. Don Glenn and Rob Tippey will be officiating with burial following in Park Cemetery, Fairmount.
Former General Officer Rev. Ray Barnwell remarked: “E. R. Mitchell was an awesome soldier of the cross. He always encouraged me. He had a winsome way and broad smile. A man of deep conviction and a prayer warrior.”
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City.
Rev. E. R. Mitchell
