Dan Howden Mitchell
Dan Howden Mitchell, 80 of Prospect, died unexpectedly Wednesday June 17, 2015 at his home.
He was born January 26, 1935 in Mt. Gilead to the late Donald and Dorothy (McKee) Mitchell.
On August 26, 1956 he married his high school sweetheart, the former Mildred Fern Downs and she died April 12, 2014. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Dean Mitchell.
He was a very accomplished basketball player at Johnsville High School, where he graduated in 1953; he then graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1957. Dan was a talented piano player, trumpet player and was proficient with many other instruments. He was a member of musical groups such as the All Americans, Front Porch Five and others. Dan was a music teacher for many years, teaching at the Elgin Schools, first in Green Camp then Prospect, then moving to the Pleasant Schools and finally finishing in the Centerburg District. He had earned a Masters in Music Education. Dan loved to take his grandchildren fishing.
A True Renaissance man, he was equally happy in his garden or workshop, studying astronomy, teaching his students, reading scientific, literary, historical and fiction books and traveling the country.
He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Heidi (Mike) Ries, Centerville (Dayton); his son, Dan (Terri) Mitchell, Columbus; two grandchildren, Timothy Joseph Ries and Rosamiel Rene Ries, sister Sandra (William) Houk, Mt. Gilead and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is beloved by his family, friends and students for his kindness, patience and wisdom.
Private family services will be held at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home, Prospect.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Salvation Army 317 W. Church St. P.O. Box 383 Marion, Ohio 43302
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Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home