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Jack LaVern Mitchell, 79, of Lake Jackson, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, August 30, 2014 at home surrounded by his family. He fought a long and courageous battle with cancer and its effects. Jack is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Hernandez Mitchell; their children, Susan David Sassin of Austin, Julie Kip Ingram of Fulshear, and Jennie Josh Miller of Carrollton; grandchildren Stacey Sassin, Michael Sassin, Megan Ingram, Shannon Ingram, Allison Ingram, Katelyn Ingram, Sarah Ingram, Aynslie Miller, Grace Miller and Wyatt Miller; brothers and sisters, Darrell "Bud" Mavis Mitchell of Monona, Iowa, Marlys Leiran of Waterville, Iowa, Richard Lynn Mitchell of Marion, Iowa, Joyce Pete Kloeber of Flagstaff, Arizona and LaVonne "Sue" Lodor of Breckenridge, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Dorothy Blietz Mitchell, and his sister Norma Jean Sweeney. Jack was born June 21, 1935 on the family farm in Monona, Iowa and graduated as salutatorian from Waterville High School in 1953. He then served honorably in the United States Army 1st Calvary Division for three years before meeting the love of his life Mary Hernandez, whom he married on September 2, 1960. Jack and Mary began their married life in El Paso, Texas where they attended Texas Western College University of Texas at El Paso. In 1964, Jack received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Upon their graduations, Jack and Mary moved their family to Lake Jackson, Texas. Jack worked for Dow Chemical for 35 years. He was an active member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Jack was also very active in the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers TSPE and received the Outstanding Young Engineer of the Year Award, and later the Engineer of the Year Award. He also served as the organization's President. Jack served his community by serving as an advisor for Dow Explorer Post 232 and by serving several terms on the Texas Board of Boiler Rules. Jack was also a proud member of the American Legion Post #306. In his spare time, Jack enjoyed traveling through Europe by car and by cruise with his wife Mary. He also enjoyed weight lifting, working on cars, and spending time at Riverside Country Club and Columbia Lakes Country Club. Jack loved family above all else and was a very devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, honor, and faith. Jack's family would like to thank the many friends and caregivers who have supported him throughout the last seven years. A burial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2014 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North in San Antonio, Texas. Memorials may be made in Jack's name to Emanuel United Methodist Church, 3225 W. Poplar, San Antonio, Texas 78228.Pallbearers will be Dr. Harry Hernandez, Dr. Joe Hernandez, Dr. Richard Hernandez, Dr. William Hernandez, Dr. Kip Ingram, Josh Miller, David Sassin, and Michael Sassin.

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Jack LaVern Mitchell

June 21, 1935 - August 30, 2014