Roll Call Tribute

Raymond Edgar Mitchell 

February 14, 1940 - November 16, 2023 

Raymond Edgar (Mitch) Mitchell was born on February 14, 1940, in El Paso, Texas to James “Edgar” and Ruth Mitchell. Ray passed away on November 16, 2023, in Spokane, Washington surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Ray graduated from Ysleta High School in El Paso, Texas where he gained honors as an All-District Offensive Tackle. He attended Texas A&M University for two years before marrying the love of his life, Janet Mergen, on September 2, 1962. The following year, Ray followed in his father’s footsteps enlisting in the U.S. Navy.

Mitch was a patriotic sailor serving in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam and the Cold War. He served as a submariner in the U.S. Navy’s Silent Service. Mitch served on the USS Permit SSN 594 (a fast attack submarine) and later a plank owner on the USS Mariano G. Vallejo SSBN 658 (an inter-continental ballistic missile submarine also known as a “boomer”). After Mitch was honorably discharged from the Navy, he worked at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton, Washington for 25 years retiring as a Zone Manager, GS-16 (now an ES-V). A born leader, he is fondly remembered by many of his friends and coworkers.

Raymond was a dedicated and hardworking man who served his country with honor. He proudly earned a place in the U.S. Submarine Veteran’s Holland Club having been designated “Qualified in Submarines” for over 50 years.

He was a member of the Port Orchard United Methodist Church in Port Orchard, Washington where he served on many church committees over the years, including chairing the Staff Parish Relations Committee for several terms. After his retirement from PSNS, Ray was often called upon to lend his plumbing and handyman skills to help maintain the church building. He was also active in the Sunday School program and attended many Bible study groups as well. Since moving to the Spokane area, Ray made his spiritual home at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Reardan, Washington.

Ray is remembered as a proud Texan, staunch anti-communist advocate, and was recognized by all as a standard-bearer of American values. He was a Cub Master and assistant Boy Scout Leader who enjoyed sharing his knowledge of archery and leathercraft. He could often be heard for miles cheering for his cherished Texas Aggies, and many a Saturday, the “Aggie War Hymn” could be heard booming through the house. In his later years, Ray enjoyed attending the many events and activities his grandchildren participated in. From the many sporting events to band, choir, dance, theater productions, or Scouting events, he loved being at them all. Ray was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Raymond is survived by his wife Janet of sixty-one years, their three children; Charlotte (Edmund) Preuschoff, Kristin (Buntly) Willard, and James (Brenda) Mitchell, ten grandchildren; Katherine, Erika, and Edmund James Preuschoff; Nolan and Charity Willard; Brody, Parker, Annalise, Kassarah, and Dardyn Mitchell, his sister Elaine (Edward) Polocek, and many nieces and nephews.

May he rest in peace. Gig ‘em Aggies!

A Committal Ceremony with Military Honors at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA will be held on Wednesday, 11/29/23 from 11:15 - 11:45 am. Following the ceremony, a Memorial Service (Rite of Christian Burial) will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Reardan, WA at 12:30 pm.