Donald J. Mitchell

Donald J Mitchell, 89, of Portage, Michigan passed away peacefully in his home, with his loving wife at his side, on November 1, 2021.

Born on August 2, 1932, in Battle Creek, Michigan to parents John and Burnadine, Donald was the only boy among five children and was reminded of that often by his four sisters Theola, Lena, Lela and Lula. Donald graduated from St. Philip Catholic Central High School in Battle Creek, Michigan and later attended a conservatory of music in Chicago, Illinois.

Donald was a strong man of faith and spent many years ministering to those around him, hosting bible study groups, leading church events, and praying for loved ones daily. He was an avid outdoorsman, and talented musician; a lover of music who spent years playing saxophone with various groups across the country. Donald was also a member of the United States Navy serving our country during the Korean War and was a member of the Navy band.

Donald is preceded in death by his former wife and mother of his first seven children, Richelene Mitchell. He loved his large family dearly and was proud of the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

Donald is survived by his wife of 31 years, Paula Kuehn-Mitchell, and children Donna Mitchell-Mayo (John), Zaid Shakir (Monteil), Kenneth Mitchell (Deborah), Alan Mitchell (Jackie), Melanie Calloway (Anthony), Candace Mitchell-Robinson, Jeffrey Mitchell, and Elizabeth Romeo (Joseph), along with 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 13 with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. at Freedom Foursquare Gospel Church, 2601 Kalarama Ave, Portage, MI 49024. Donald will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S. Burdick St, Kalamazoo MI 49007. To view Donald's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com