Rest in peace, Deacon Joseph Mitchell of Marshall

Deacon Joseph R. Mitchell, 82 — a retired deacon of the Jefferson City diocese, who previously assisted the pastor of St. Peter Parish in Marshall, died peacefully on Jan. 12, at home with his family.

He had been battling with pancreatic cancer.

He served as an educator and school administrator in Saline County public schools for over 40 years.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Jan. 18, in St. Peter Church in Marshall.

Father Francis Doyle, pastor of St. Peter Parish and of St. Joseph Parish in Slater, presided.

Father Kevin Gormley, now retired, the previous pastor in Marshall, concelebrated.

Deacon Michael Berendzen, diocesan Director of Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons, proclaimed the Gospel reading.

“He was a kind, gentle person — very gentlemanly, I would say,” said Fr. Doyle. “He had a very peaceful presence about him.”

He was born March 22, 1940, in rural Malta Bend, a son of the late Joseph Rupert and Ella Katheryn (Sims) Mitchell.

A 1958 graduate of Mercy Academy in Marshall, he went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in secondary education from Benedictine (formerly St. Benedict’s) College in Atchison, Kansas.

He earned his elementary certification through Missouri Valley College, followed by advanced degrees of masters in education and education specialist in school administration, both from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

He began his career in education in 1963 teaching at Blackwater School in rural Saline County. In 1967, he went on to teach junior high math at Sweet Springs R-7 School, becoming middle school principal, as well as football and basketball coach.

He was particularly proud to serve as assistant coach for the newly formed Sweet Springs R-7 high school football program.

While at Sweet Springs, he met Vicki Sue Acklie and the two were united in marriage on Jan. 3, 1970, at Columbia United Church of Christ in Columbia.

Deacon Mitchell continued his career in education with Marshall Public Schools as an elementary principal at Benton, Eastwood and Northwest schools; and Director of Elementary Education.

He retired as a full-time administrator in 1996 but continued work part-time as Director of Title I & district Testing Coordinator.

He was a member of St. Peter Parish in Marshall and was ordained a deacon on May 4, 2002.

He served St. Peter Parish for 20 years and for a time as interim principal of St. Peter School.

He was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus, and was involved in numerous civic activities.

He was inducted into the Sweet Springs Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013 and again in 2016 with the 1972 Sweet Springs football team and Coach John Johnson.

Deacon Mitchell was an avid reader of theology, philosophy, current issues and science fiction.

His hobbies included fishing, gardening, home projects, feeding birds, wood carving and all levels of football competition.

Friends and former students posted memories on his Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home guest page (campbell-lewis.com/obituary/joseph-mitchell).

Carol Bridges from Sweet Springs had Deacon Mitchell as a teacher in grade school. 

“I remember him as being calm, patient, and knowledgeable,” she wrote. “I feel fortunate to have had him as a teacher.”

Marilyn Doyle Crawford of Excelsior Springs said she was blessed to have had him for a teacher.

“Ever kind and patient, Mr. Mitchell prepared us well to face the challenges of Marshall High and beyond,” she wrote.

“Joe had a servant’s heart,” James and Sue Ann Crawford wrote from Las Vegas. “His dedication to the children of Marshall is deeply appreciated.”

Fr. Doyle said in his homily that he found Deacon Mitchell to be an adept listener and a deliberate, accommodating participant in the life and mission of the parish.

“He served at the Liturgy banquet at the altar for 20 years,” Fr. Doyle stated. “We pray that God will receive his soul and invite him to the eternal banquet in heaven.”

Survivors include Mrs. Mitchell; two children, Todd (Carrie) Mitchell of St. Louis and Erin (Scott) Madden of O’Fallon; a sister, Jean Ann Ruhl of Kansas City; two grandsons; several brothers- and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery in Kahoka.