Duane Edgar Mitchell is the fifth of eight children born to Don and Katherine Mitchell.  He was born in Muskegon, Michigan on November 25, 1939. He is married to Perona Jackson. Their family consists of four children, thirteen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.  Duane graduated from Benton Harbor High School and served in the United States Army Honor Guard. He held positions at Clark Equipment Company, Bendix Corporation, Sears, and Mercy Hospital until retirement.