Bud Mitchell

Ellsworth Paul “Bud” Mitchell, 90, of Napoleon, Ohio, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 26, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on March 6, 1931, in Napoleon, to Paul and Helen (Plassman) Mitchell. On November 10, 1956, Bud married the love of his life, Florence Fitzenreiter at St. John Lutheran Church in Freedom Township, Ohio. Upon graduation from Napoleon High School in 1949, he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp. Following his return from service and marriage to Florence, Bud started a long career in the auto parts industry working at Service Station Supply and Woods Auto Supply, both in Napoleon. During his many dedicated years in the industry, Bud served on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Automotive Wholesalers Association and the Central Region Advisory Council American Parts System. Following retirement from his auto parts career, he enjoyed working at Herron’s Amish Furniture in Okalona, and driving/transferring cars for Snyder Auto Group in Napoleon. He spent many days and evenings working in his woodshop creating furniture, cabinetry and birdhouses, or caning chairs. His craftsmanship was impeccable, and these pieces will always serve as tokens of remembrance of a man who truly enjoyed doing things for others. Bud was the consummate gentleman and his priorities were never in question…God, Family and Country. He served his church and community in a number of roles. A member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon, he served the congregation as elder, treasurer and financial secretary. He served his community as a member of the Parks and Recreation Board and the Civil Service Commission. Bud enjoyed his many friendships, friendly competition, and conversation around a table. After his Lord Jesus, Bud’s greatest love was his family. In addition to his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Bud is survived by his daughters Ann (Scott) Fritz, Sharon (Tom) Scovanner and Carol (Andy) Small; grandchildren Abby (Ben) Brass, Christian Fritz, Margaret Fritz, Ryan (Stacy) Scovanner, Derrick Scovanner, Stuart Scovanner, Elliot (Elyse) Small, Meredith (Joe) Wolff and Adeline (Austin) Ripke; great grandchildren Amos and Lionel Brass, Amelia and Sophia Scovanner, Emmitt and Forrest Wolff, Mckenna and Jamie Small. He is also survived by his brother Donald Mitchell. Bud was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Elizabeth (William) Schnitkey. Friends and family will be received at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1075 Glenwood Avenue, Napoleon, on Sunday, November 7, 2021, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at the church on Monday, November 8, 2021, at 11:00 AM with an hour of visitation prior to services. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Napoleon. The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, St. Paul Lutheran School, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at rodenbergergray.com.

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Bud Mitchell

March 6, 1931 - October 26, 2021