Dates
Michael Dean Mitchell, Sr., 79, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on April 4th, 2025. He was born on July 30, 1945, in Champaign, Illinois, to Gus Theodore Mitchell and Lucille Minas Mitchell, both of whom preceded him in death.
Mike was a devoted husband to Susan Mitchell, whom he married on September 14, 1968, in Birmingham, Michigan. Together, they built a life filled with love and family. He was a proud father to his son, Michael Dean Mitchell, Jr., and daughter- in-law, Brooke Mitchell, and a cherished grandfather to Colby, Cooper, Cason, and Carleigh Mitchell.
Mike is also survived by his siblings: Cynthia Gabriel, James Mitchell, Leon Mitchell, Paul Mitchell, Karen Lakämper, and Jason Mitchell. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, Theodore and Sophia Mitchell, and Minas and Katherine Maxouris.
Mike was also blessed with close friendships that became like family. Shon and Melissa Jones and Thomas and Ursulla Hodge held a special place in his heart and in the life of the Mitchell family. Their decades of friendship, laughter, and unwavering support were a treasured part of Mike’s journey.
Mike graduated from Ferris State College in 1968, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After graduation, Mike enlisted in the National Guard and served honorably in the Michigan and California Army National Guard from 1968 to 1974.
In 1969, Mike began his professional career and dedicated 18 years to Pontiac Motor Division before pursuing his dream of business ownership. He purchased Schuch Motor Company on December 7, 1987, and Heritage Buick-GMC on December 7, 1996. This formed Mitchell Automotive Group, known today as Mitchell Toyota and Mitchell Buick-GMC. Mike’s dedication to customer service and community involvement made a lasting impact.
Mike served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Automobile Dealer Association, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and Crime Stoppers.
Throughout Mike’s life, he remained devoted to supporting the military, and he played an active role at Goodfellow Air Force Base. In recognition of his contributions, he was named an Honorary Chief Master Sergeant in 1993 and became an honorary Command Chief Master Sergeant in 2006.
Through Mitchell Automotive Group, Mike facilitated tens of thousands of toy donations to children in need as part of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. His generosity and commitment to giving back made a meaningful difference in the lives of many, particularly among veterans and military families.
The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the employees, past and present, of Mitchell Automotive Group for their years of dedication, hard work, and unwavering support, which helped make Mike’s vision become a reality and continue his legacy.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to all the caregivers who provided exceptional care and support during Mike’s final days. Their kindness and dedication were greatly appreciated.
The Mitchell family will be hosting a celebration of Mike’s life at Southland Baptist Church on April 13th, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Southland Baptist ESL of San Angelo, Hospice of San Angelo, and Operation Warmheart and Goodfellow Spouses & Community scholarships: https://square.link/u/aUT5k681
Mike will be deeply missed, but his legacy of hard work, generosity, and devotion to his family and community will live on.