September 10, 1926 – December 25, 2023
Hugh ‘Paul’ Mitchell, 97, of Bedford, passed away on December 25, 2023, at IU Health Bedford Hospital.
Paul, as his friends called him, was born September 10, 1926, in Edison, TN; he was the son of Luther M. and Lillie (Cobb-Lawson) Mitchell. He married Joan Fuller Mathews on February 4, 1982, in Lawrenceville, IL.
He was a 1946 graduate of Hancock High School in Sneedville, TN. He was a Veteran of World War II, and after his discharge from the U.S. Navy, Paul enrolled in East Tennessee University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology in only two years. He continued studying at Arkansas State University, the University of Louisville, and the University of Wisconsin.
Teaching has been Mitchell’s life, following education by teaching in Bristol, TN. In 1955, Paul enrolled at Indiana University and received his Master’s Degree, then came to Bedford in 1956 and began teaching sixth grade at Lincoln School. He was named principal of the school in 1967 and remained in that position for the next 14 years.
During this time, Mitchell owned and operated his business, Mitchell Construction Company. He developed Western Hills, had developments in Orleans and Paoli, and, for 35 years, built some 200 homes and offices.
After five years at North Lawrence Vocational Center and 34 years as a teacher and administrator, Mitchell retired in 1987. He joined his wife in a new business, Mitchell Floor Covering.
He was a longtime Bedford Exchange Club member and president for two years. He served as District Director for Indiana-Kentucky and was voted “Exchangite” of the year. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding work.
He, at one time or another, served in leadership capacities in the United Fund, Red Cross, Boy and Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, Boys Club, Save the Children Foundation, Senior Citizens, Heart Association, North Lawrence School Foundation, Jaycee’s Kiwanis, Bedford Elk’s, Phi Delta Kappa and is a 32 Degree Mason, and a member of the Baptist Church.
Paul was an avid sports fan and enjoyed boating, fishing, and golf. His “bucket list” was completed when he asked to be the commencement speaker for his alma mater, High School in Sneedville, Tennessee.
Surviving are his wife, Joan D. Mitchell of Bedford; daughter, Linda S. (Scott) Turney; son, David L. (Pattie) Mitchell; two step-children, Tracy M. Tincher and Tyrus S. (Deedra) Mathews; five grandchildren Jared S. (Lindsey) Turney, Alyson N. (Randall) Trout, Ryan D. Mitchell, Megan M. (Nick) Leavitt and Kelly M. Mitchell; four great-grandsons, Ryan Trout, Porter Turney, Banks Turney, and Max Leavitt; two great-granddaughters, Mia Leavitt and Oakley Turney; five step-grandchildren, Evan W. (Maurica) Folk, Levi M. Stidam, Maebree M. Tincher, Jarrid W. (Elizabeth) Mathews and Justin (Carrie) Mathews; seven step-great-grandchildren, Braxten W. Folk, Bristol Folk, Brantley Folk, Aubrey Mathews, Lincoln Mathews, Magnolia Mathews, and Iris Mathews; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving is
Paul’s beloved pet, Sissy.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, brother William Jack Mitchell; two sisters, Wilma J. (Jim) Skeen and E. Pauline (Bill) Sheeks; and his other beloved pet, Gigi.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2023, at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford, with Pastor Larry Dalton officiating. William (Bill) and Clarence Brown will commemorate. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the American Legion Gillen Post #33. Visiting hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to the service time on Saturday.
Instead of flowers and gifts, Paul’s family asks that contributions be considered in Paul’s memory to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the White River Humane Society.
Thank you to the Bedford IU Medical Center’s doctors and nurses.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared online at www.FergusonLee.com.
