Erwin Leroy "Pete" Mitchell , 88, formerly of rural Columbia City, died peacefully at 8 a.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Story Point West Assisted Living, Fort Wayne.

Born on July 29, 1937, in El Paso, Texas, he was a son of the late Oda Erwin and Zola Iva (Reeg) Mitchell.  Growing up near Larwill, he completed Larwill Elementary School then moving to northern Huntington County, he graduated from Bippus High School in 1955.  He continued his education at Olivet Nazarene College.

On November 2, 1957, he married Clara Pauline Anderson beginning their 65-year life together.  They made their first home in Columbia City. In 1963, they purchased a farm in Richland Twp. Clara died on September 13, 2023.

Pete began his work career with Holmes & Company in Columbia City as a sawyer at the lumber mill.  In 1977, he joined the Whitko School District becoming head of the maintenance department.  He retired in 2001, but remained part of the school district serving on the Whitko School Board.  He was passionate about making the schools the best they could be and setting them on a course of sustainability.

At home he enjoyed working around their country property, mowing the grass, caring for the buildings, and watching the wildlife. An ardent supporters of Whitko High School sports, he and his wife regularly attending games.  When the grandkids came along, they became his pride and focus.

Surviving is his only daughter, Pamela (Thomas) Kessie of Columbia City; grandchildren, Zachary (Beth) Kessie of Roanoke and Greg (Candis) Kessie of Indianapolis; great-grandchildren, Riley, Katelyn, Connor & Amelia Kessie.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by brothers, Richard and Harold Mitchell and a sister, Lois Hammel.

The funeral service is at 3 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery.  Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the service Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Pete's honor are to the Whitko Career Academy.