Happy Mitchell

Happy Opal Mitchell, 90, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2014.

Happy joins his wife in heaven, Grace Hope Mitchell, who preceded him in death February 6, 2014 after 69 ½ years of a committed marriage. Surviving family include his children, Linda Jo (Steve) Nehring, Gail (Clarence) Goodell, Roger (Sandy) Mitchell, April (Dave) Wright, and Libby (David) Miller; grandchildren, Benjamin, David, Devin, Matthew, Megan, John, Tom, Katie, Quincy and Derek and honorary grandchildren, Lance, Sheila, Julie, Alexis and Courtney; and great-grandchildren, Mitchell and Austin.

Happy was born February 18, 1924 in Sprott, MO to Claude and Hazel (Holmes) Mitchell. Happy was the epitome of his name, in spite of falling victim to a farming accident at the age of 3, leaving him a double amputee. Throughout his life, he never considered himself disabled. A steadfast commitment to both his family and God is Happy’s spiritual legacy, which continues to live on through the lives of his children. He and Grace were one of the seven founding families of the Southern Baptist work in Des Moines. They were members of Crestwood Baptist Church where he continued his lifelong service as a Deacon. Happy worked as a salesman of office equipment and supplies through Ditto and M&M Sales companies for all of his career. Everyone who had the privilege to know Happy understood that “Happy” was his way of life and not just a name.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Sunday, December 7, 2014 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at Crestwood Baptist Church, 3717 Forest Avenue, Des Moines at 1:00 pm Monday, December 8, 2014. Private burial will take place at Altoona Cemetery at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Iowa Chapter.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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