David Benjamin Mitchell's Obituary
David Benjamin Mitchell, 95, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 4, 2025. He was born on April 15, 1930, in Baltimore, Maryland, and is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Cordelia, known as Dee; his son, David Patrick Mitchell and his partner Linda Sullivan; Mark Evans Mitchell and his wife Katie; and his grandchildren, Ella and Kate Mitchell and Katherine Mitchell-Mann.
David served honorably in the United States Army, completing a distinguished career that included a tour of duty in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division and retiring at the rank of Sergeant First Class. After his Army retirement, he pursued a new calling in education, earning a master’s degree from Georgia State University. He went on to teach middle school in the Cobb and Gwinnett County school systems near Atlanta, Georgia, where he inspired countless students over many years before retiring from teaching. He always enjoyed encouraging his students in many inventive and innovative ways.
Beyond his professional life, David was a man of creativity and art. A lifelong lover of photography, he had an artist’s eye for detail and beauty in everyday life, and wherever he traveled, he always brought his camera along. He was known as a mentor to beginner photographers and was always happy to help others learn about the art he enjoyed so much. He was also an accomplished drummer, having played since he was nineteen after first becoming interested in music as a young soldier hearing a big band play. His sense of rhythm and joy for music remained with him throughout his life, and after he could no longer play the drums, he took up the harmonica, which he used to delight his grandchildren.
David’s family and friends will remember him for his generosity and willingness to help whenever he was needed. He lived with purpose and integrity, and he leaves behind a legacy of service, learning, and love.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 13 at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581. Visitation will begin at 9:30 followed by a service at 10:30. Burial at the Houston National Cemetery to follow.
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