Leonard Dale Mitchell, 93

Leonard Dale Mitchell of Rio, Ill., passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Galesburg on Sunday morning. He was 93 years old.
Leonard was born to Archie and Meriby Mitchell in Humeston, Iowa, on April 26, 1925. On Feb. 10, 1945, he married Thelma Jewell Bardwell. To that union four children were born: Eva S. (James) Ramsay of Baton Rouge, La.; Carolyn K. (Ted) Kowalewycz of St. Joseph, Mo.; Francis D. Mitchell (deceased); and Leonard N. Mitchell of Woodstock, Ill. Thelma preceded him in death on May 14, 1978. On Oct. 20, 1988, he married Betty Norris. They were together until her death on Nov. 7, 1998.
Leonard graduated as class valedictorian from Humeston High School in 1942. He was a World War II Pacific veteran, having served on Guam and in the Philippines. After the war he farmed and worked for Michigan Wisconsin Pipeline Co., later ANR Pipeline Co., retiring in 1988.
In retirement he enjoyed travel, his love for and interest in rural America, along with his friends and family. Additionally, he was a volunteer for many years in the dialysis unit at Cottage Hospital, becoming friends with many of the patients there.
In addition to his children, he is survived by grandchildren Lisa D. Ramsay, Matthew J. Ramsay, Mallary D. Hann; great-granddaughter Romey K. Hann; and his brother Robert (Jeanette) Mitchell. He was preceded in death by brothers Loren (Garnet) and Kenneth (Joyce) Mitchell.
A visitation will be held 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home in Galesburg, Ill., and at Slade-O’Donnell Funeral Home in Leon, Iowa, on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, from 10 a.m. to noon, with graveside services following at 12:30 p.m. at Humeston Cemetery, Humeston, Iowa. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.