Mr. Gary Curtis Mitchell

Mr. Gary Curtis Mitchell, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois died 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 23, 2018 at his home. 

He was born September 6, 1938 in Galesburg to Lester and Ruth Lourie Mitchell.  He married Karen Belle Kennedy May 25, 1958 in Galesburg.  She survives. 

Also surviving are two sons, Curtis K. Mitchell of Phoenix, Arizona and Lance M. (and Kathy) Mitchell of Knoxville, Illinois, a sister Linda (and Neal) McMeekan of East Peoria, Illinois, five grandchildren, Kyle Mitchell, Tim Mitchell, Ryan Mitchell, Matthew Mitchell and Peyton Mitchell, a great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jeffrey D. Mitchell on June 15, 1992. 

Gary graduated from Galesburg High School in 1956 and attended Western Illinois Teachers College in Macomb, Illinois.  He worked for Outboard Marine Corporation, Gale Products Division in Galesburg for 30 years.  He later worked for NAEIR for 17 years and retired in 2004.  He attended Covenant Church in Galesburg.  He was a member of the Masonic Vesper Lodge #584.  He was the youngest Mason to achieve a 33rd degree Mason east of the Mississippi River.  He was also a member of the Shriners and the O.A.K.S.  Gary was well known for the voice of the P.A. announcer for Lombard and Churchill Junior High Schools, Galesburg High School, Carl Sandburg College, Knox College and ROWVA/Williamsfield High School.  He was member and past president of the JFL football program, Little League Baseball program and past president and vice president of the Babe Ruth Baseball program in Galesburg.  Gary was assistant coach for the Galesburg American Legion Post 285 Baseball Team for several years.  He served on the football chain crew for over 20 years.  He was also a Cub Scout leader in Galesburg for several years.  Gary was inducted into the Friends of GHS Athletics in 2007.  He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. 

As Gary wished, cremation will be accorded.  A Masonic Service will be at 4:00 p.m.. Friday, August 3, 2018 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel followed by a memorial service with Rev. Tom Ek officiating.  A “Celebration of Life” visitation will then follow from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  A private graveside committal service will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg.   Memorials may be made to the Covenant Church, OSF Hospice or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.  

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