Gerald Olin Mitchell of Belle, Missouri was born Jan. 18, 1933 in Freedom, Missouri to Willis and Era (Schwegler) Mitchell and passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025 at the age of 92 years.
He was a lifelong area resident and a member of the Belle Community Church. He had also attended the Beulah Baptist Church and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church and was the song leader for both for a time.
He had served as vice president of the Tri-County Coon Hunters Club, president of the Francis Cemetery board, the Belle/Bland Saddle Club, and of the 55 and Older Club for 17 years.
On September 19, 1952, he married Wanda Vandgrifft.
Olin had been employed at International Shoe for 16 years and retired from Labors Union #840 after 27 years in the construction business.
He loved riding horses and went on many trail rides through the years. He enjoyed fishing and hunting coon, coyotes, quail and going on rides in his side by side.
He liked going out to eat at Granny’s in Bland and J.J.’s in Belle and visiting with people.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Wanda; parents, Willis and Era; grandson, Troy Feeler; brother, Arnold Mitchell; sister, Glayds Reed; infant brother, Ronald Mitchell; and son-in-law, Morris Brown.
He is survived by three children, Thelma Brown and husband Mike of Linn, Missouri, Gerald Mitchell and wife Norma of Rolla, Missouri and Karen Brown of Bland, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Keith Brown and wife Karla of Bland, Missouri, Kristy Scheel and significant other Kelley of Blue Springs, Missouri, Donnie Brown and wife Carissa of Belle, Missouri, Nikki Haslag and husband Tracy of St. Clair, Missouri, Gerry Mitchell and wife Susan of St. James, Missouri, Sheryl Mitchell and husband Eric of Crawfordville, Florida and Tyra Wiegers and husband Steve of Owensville, Missouri; 16 great grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Memorial service will take place at a later date.
Arrangements under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle, Missouri.
