Raymond L. Mitchell, resident of Shelby, age 90, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 4, 2025 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born September 17, 1935, in Crawford County to Boyd P. and Clara (Metz) Mitchell, he had been a Shelby resident for the majority of his life. A 1954 graduate of Shelby High School, Ray soon after graduation, enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. Following his dedicated service, he was employed with the First National Bank in Shelby for 32 years before his retirement in 1997. Ray was always very active in his community and was a member of the Lions Club, Shelby Masonic Lodge F+AM #350, and the American Legion Post 326. For over 30 years, Ray had chaperoned for numerous Washington D.C. School trips.
When he wasn’t volunteering his time, Ray loved to travel. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed RV camping. A lifelong Shelby Whippet supporter, he also looked forward to watching the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland sports teams. Though the time he cherished most, was being with his family and following his grandchildren’s sports and activities. Ray and his out-going personality will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lela (Williams) whom he wed March 30, 1963, three sons; Tim (Sara) Mitchell of Dublin, OH., Stewart (Michelle) Mitchell of Shelby, Brent (Missy) Mitchell of Shelby; son-in-law John Coleman of Shelby; 10 grandchildren, Kyle (Alyssa) Fowler Mitchell, Kayla Mitchell, Saundra (Jacob) Crocker, Kristi Mitchell, Dan (Emily) Mitchell, Sam (Natalie) Coleman, Tim Coleman, Emily (Jacob) Norris, Bryson Mitchell, and Clayton Mitchell; four great grandchildren, Kendall, Brayden, Jaiylyn, Aidan, one great-great granddaughter, Winter; brother and sister-in-law Steve and Margaret Keller; numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, and step-mother Stella Yohn Hench, he was preceded in death by his daughter Kyle Coleman; three brothers, Howard, Dean, and Lester Mitchell; five sisters, Hazel Morris, Effie Swineford, Cora Simon, Esther Burrows, and Agnes Kershner; two step sisters, and four step brothers.
Friends may visit at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home, 10:00 AM Monday. Pastor Ben Carver will officiate with interment held at Oakland Cemetery in Shelby where military honors will be preformed, honoring Ray’s service to our country.
In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shelby Athletic Boosters in care of Cathy Dodge at 145 Mansfield Ave. Apt 7, Shelby, OH 44875.
Condolences to the family may be shared online at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com