Richard "Dick" Mitchell

Richard Edward Mitchell, 75, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away on May 6, 2024, after a six-month illness. Richard (Dick) was born on December 14, 1948, to parents Ruth N. and Paul Richard Mitchell in Findlay, Ohio, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Lillian (Reynolds) Mitchell, sister Mary Ann Alge (Michael F Alge, deceased), sister Jean Elizabeth Brown (Steven Brown), and nephews Jeff Alge, John Alge and Christoper Alge. Dick graduated from Findlay High School in 1968. He then pursued and earned a degree in barbering from Andrews Barber College in Toledo, Ohio. He also completed a Dale Carnegie® Course to polish his personal and professional confidence and learn leadership skills. This training led to a life-long, satisfying career in barbering in McComb and Lorraine, Ohio. Dick thoroughly enjoyed his clients and was known as a competent, polite and gracious friend and colleague. As a young man, Dick earned his Eagle Scout award, the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program by the Boy Scouts of America, with just four percent of Scouts earning this goal. This achievement is illustrative of the dedication Dick put into his life pursuits. Dick was also a talented pianist, choosing to play the classical music of Beethoven, Debussy and Chopin among others. This is a skill that remained with him throughout his life. As an adult, Dick joined Findlay’s Masonic Lodge as a Freemason, and was in time elected as the Installed Master to lead the group for one year. Dick blossomed in the company of his fellow Masons and acquired many life skills. In 1983, Dick met his future bride, Lillian, while attending Howard United Methodist Church in Findlay, Ohio. They were introduced by friends, and the attraction was instant and mutual. Dick remained a loving and dedicated husband to Lillian during their marriage of 41 years. Their bond was unbreakable and rare. Friends and family remember Dick’s sweet spirit and positive demeanor. His was an unselfish, giving soul with always a concern for others. He had an infectious sense of humor, and found the “fun” in most situations. Dick was the epitome of a gentleman, taking care to express his interest in others while never to probe or offend. He was loyal to his family and friends throughout his life. He and Lillian were members of Howard United Methodist Church while in Findlay, Ohio, and attended church services when residing in Lorraine and Defiance, Ohio. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at Genacross Lutheran Service, 1036 S. Perry Street, Napoleon, Ohio on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/donate.html. Online messages and condolences may be shared with the family at rodenbergergray.com. Arrangements entrusted to Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon.

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Richard "Dick" Mitchell

December 14, 1948 - May 6, 2024