BRANDON — The funeral service for Steven Curtis Mitchell, age 66, who died July 23, 2019, was held on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at the Lifebridge Christian Church in Brandon. The Rev. Roger Foster, pastor, officiated. Special music was provided by Brenna McCullough.
The graveside committal service and burial, with Military Honors, followed in the family lot at Pine Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers included Andrew Mitchell, Jason Mitchell, Justin Mitchell, George Mitchell, Orin Mitchell, Rick Oberkirch, Gabriel Oberkirch and Gage Mitchell.
Military honors were accorded by members of Brandon American Legion Post #55, led by Sgt. At Arms Robert Gearwar. Chaplain Burt Reynolds delivered a Legionnaires Service. Color Guard was provided by members of The Vermont Patriot Guard Riders, led by State Captain George Brewer.
A special plaque of remembrance was presented to the widow by Ride Captain Ed Class. The flag ceremony was performed by members of the Vermont Army National Guard. The American Flag was presented to the widow.
Following the ceremony, the family received friends back at the church for a time of remembrance.
Mr. Mitchell was born in Middlebury on October 6, 1952. He was the son of Gerald and Kathleen (Weinle) Mitchell. He grew up in Salisbury and Middlebury, where he received his early education and graduated from Middlebury Union High School, class of 1972. He furthered his education at Black Hills State (South Dakota).
He joined the United States Navy and served honorably. He returned to Vermont in 1980. He later transferred to the Vermont Army National Guard and served for 22 years. He retired as a Staff Sergeant having earned many awards, citations and military decorations.
He had worked for General Electric from 1985 until his retirement in 2013. He has been employed at Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home for the past several years.
He was an avid Red Sox fan. He was very involved in coaching wrestling and helping with the football club at Otter Valley Union High School. Steve was always helping others. His commitment to his country was of utmost importance to him. He belonged to Lifebridge Christian Church in Brandon.
Surviving is his wife, Mary (Auth) Mitchell of Brandon, whom he married in Marlboro, MD, on August 17, 1977; 3 daughters, Kori Marie Mitchell of Orwell, Molly June Peet of South Burlington, and  Stevie Lynn Perry of Richmond; 4 sons, Andrew Curtis Mitchell, Jason Arthur Mitchell, Justin Thomas Mitchell and George Joseph Mitchell, all of Brandon; 4 sisters, Debbie Oberkirch of Brandon, Sally Mitchell Forrest of Pittsford, Geraldine “Gerry” Kenny of Brandon and Lori J. Gutzmann of Craftsbury; and his brother, Orin “Andy” Mitchell of Brandon. Nine grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him.
He was predeceased by his parents.
Friends called at the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon on Friday, July 26, from 5-8 PM. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to: Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607. ◊