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Jack LaVern Mitchell, 79, of Lake Jackson, TX passed away peacefully Saturday morning, August 30, 2014 at home surrounded by his family. He fought a long and courageous battle with cancer and its effects.
A Memorial Service to celebrate and honor Jack was held Wednesday, September 3 at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Lake Jackson, TX. A private burial service was held Friday, September 5 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North in San Antonio, TX.
Jack is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Hernandez Mitchell; their children, Susan (David) Sassin of Austin, TX, Julie (Kip) Ingram of Fulshear, TX and Jennie (Josh) Miller of Carrollton, TX; their grandchildren, Stacey Sassin, Michael Sassin, Megan Ingram, Shannon Ingram, Allison Ingram, Katelyn Ingram, Sarah Ingram, Aynslie Miller, Grace Miller and Wyatt Miller; his brothers and sisters, Darrell "Bud" (Mavis) Mitchell of Monona, Marlys Leiran of Waterville, Richard (Lynn) Mitchell of Marion, Joyce (Pete) Kloeber of Flagstaff, AZ and LaVonne "Sue" Lodor of Breckenridge, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Dorothy (Blietz) Mitchell; and his sister, Norma Jean Sweeney.
Jack was born June 21, 1935 on the family farm in Monona, and graduated from Waterville High School in 1953. He then served honorably in the United States Army 1st Calvary Division for three years before meeting the love of his life, Mary Hernandez, whom he married September 2, 1960.
Jack and Mary began their married life in El Paso, TX, where they attended Texas Western College (University of Texas at El Paso). In 1964, Jack received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon their graduations, Jack and Mary moved their family to Lake Jackson, TX. Jack worked for Dow Chemical for 35 years.
He was an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Jack was also very active in the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) and received the Outstanding Young Engineer of the Year Award, and later the Engineer of the Year Award. He also served as the organization's President. Jack served his community by serving as an advisor for Dow Explorer Post 232 and by serving several terms on the Texas Board of Boiler Rules. Jack was also a proud member of the American Legion Post #306.
In his spare time, Jack enjoyed traveling through Europe by car and by cruise with his wife, Mary. He also enjoyed weight lifting, working on cars and spending time at Riverside Country Club and Columbia Lakes Country Club. Jack loved family above all else and was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, honor and faith.
Pallbearers were Dr. Harry Hernandez, Dr. Joe Hernandez, Dr. Richard Hernandez, Dr. William Hernandez, Dr. Kip Ingram, Josh Miller, David Sassin and Michael Sassin.