Kenneth Leroy Mitchell

Kenneth Leroy Mitchell passed away on July 18, 2023 in Salem, Oregon. He was born on January 20, 1934 on Marion Road in Turner, Oregon to Fayette and Pearl (Lanktree) Mitchell. Ken was a life-long resident of the Turner/Salem area. He married Janice Swartwout on September 22, 1956. They were married for 61 years before Janice passed in 2018. Ken attended Cascade Union High School and graduated in 1954. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He worked at various places in the Salem Area including Kay Woolen Mill, the City of Salem and a plywood mill in Aumsville before retiring as a machinist with Wah Chang in Albany.

He was a life-long member of Turner Assembly of God Church which later became Church on The HIll. He served as a board member, song leader, greeter. Many of the sidewalks at Church on the Hill were poured by Ken. His warm broad smile made him well-suited as a greeter. He became known as the “Candy Man” for handing out mints with his handshakes.

In addition to Ken’s service at Church on The Hill, he also volunteered on the “Chain Gang” at Cascade High School Varsity football games during the 70’s.

He enjoyed spending time with his brothers and brother-in-laws. They hunted, fished, helped each other with many home projects and played games. Ken took up golf later in life but was more known for his skill at finding lost golf balls than his golf score.

Ken is survived by his sons: Larry Mitchell (Alice) and Daryl Mitchell (Patty); nephew: Mark Martin; granddaughters: Rachel Mitchell, Rebekah Mitchell, and Megan Mitchell; brothers: Robert and Ronald Mitchell; sisters: Dorothy Jones and Shirley Brumley.

He was also preceded in death by son: Glenn Mitchell; brothers: Bill, Harold, and Wilbur Mitchell.

A memorial service will be held on August 12, 2023 at 2:00 at Church on the Hill, Turner, Oregon

Charitable Contributions can be made to Church on the Hill, Turner, OR