Don Phillip Mitchell was born in 1912 to the union of Charles Edward Mitchell and Harriet Phillips in St. Joseph, Michigan. Harriet Phillips, Don’s mother was born in St. Joseph. Her father was a plasterer and her mother was a homemaker. They had four daughters, Sadie, LuMary, Harriet, and Cynthia Viola and one son, Thomas.

Don’s father was Charles Mitchell, born in Cassopolis, Michigan to a black freed slave who was a barber and his mother was a blind Indian girl. His Aunt Sarah from the Allen Family (mother’s side) raised him and he had no
siblings.

Charles and Harriet were married in 1911. They had three children, Chanda, Don and Edward. Harriet died in child birth when Don was 6 years old. Don grew up in Benton Harbor and attended the Benton Harbor schools. He played sports and was well like by everyone.

He married Katherine E. Watts on May 28, 1932 and from this union eight children were born. Three daughters Janice, Diane, Kathleen and five Sons, Dwight (Pete), Gary, Duane, Don and Steve.

Don worked as a molder and crane operator in his early years. Later he was employed as a letter carrier for 25 years at the local Post Office, retiring at age 62. During his long retirement he volunteered for various projects. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching baseball and football on television. Everyone he met became a friend, as he never met a stranger.

Don enjoyed raising his children, instilling in them the virtues of honestly, hard work and love for family and community. Later in life he enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was instrumental in their private lives.

Don and Katherine were married for 67 years and renewed their vows with a real marriage ceremony on their 65th. Katherine, his wife, found in him a role model, lover and friend.

Don joined the Union Memorial AME Church in the early fifties. In 1991 he and his wife joined Fellowship Baptist Mission Church under the leadership of Rev. William G. Caldwell. He was an active member, serving as Recording Secretary for the three years and member of Trustee Board. he especially enjoyed attending Sunday School.

On July 30, 2000, Don Phillip Mitchell departed this life at St. Joseph Regional Hospital, South Bend, Indiana, where various members of his family kept a round the clock vigil.