Kenneth K. Mitchell, 90, of Huntsville, passed away Wednesday. He is survived by his son, Steve Mitchell and wife, Sharon Mitchell; and two granddaughters, Kerianne and Shannon.
Kenneth was born and raised in Harrisburg, Illinois. After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and did tours of duty in both the European and Pacific Theaters. Mr. Mitchell earned a degree in physics from the University of Southern Illinois in 1949, and shortly thereafter was employed at Union Carbide in Paducah, Kentucky. On July 19, 1951 he married Umeeka (Mickie) Yvonne Johnson from his hometown of Harrisburg, Illinois. After working at Union Carbide for 14 years Kenneth accepted a job at Redstone Arsenal.
Mr. Mitchell and family moved to Huntsville in 1964, where he remained employed until 1987. Kenneth and Mickie enjoyed 12 years of retirement together before her passing in June of 1999. Kenneth adored his two granddaughters, and relished watching them grow up. His two passions in life were traveling (particularly the American west) and photography. He and his son traveled, and backpacked numerous times in National Parks and wilderness areas throughout the western United States.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at Trinity United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow with the Rev. Dr. Rick Owen officiating. Burial will be in Hampton Cove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Parkinson’s Foundation.
