Funeral services for Mr. John H. Mitchell Sr., of Waskom will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 12, 2016 in the chapel of Downs Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2016 at the funeral home.

Mr. John H. Mitchell, Sr., age 82, departed this life in Longview, Texas, on Friday, November 4, 2016 at Highland Pines Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility.

He was born February 6, 1934 in Harrison County to the union of the late Mr. W.L. Mitchell and Mrs. Margaret Dixon Webb. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Kendrick D. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell labored most of his life being employed by Texas Pacific,   Missouri Pacific, and Union Pacific Railroad for over 25 years before he retired. After retirement, he spent the majority of his time fishing, hunting, watching sports and attending family gatherings on the     weekends and holidays. He was a faithful member of New Hope     Baptist Church of Scottsville, TX until his health failed

He leaves to cherish his memories; his wife of 40 years, Mrs. Gloria M. Mitchell; six children, Ramon Jacobs (Dallas, Texas), John Henry (Olivia) Mitcherll, Jr., John Henry Tanghlyn, Jr., Stephanie Mitchell, Patrice (Charles) Mitchell and Marcelle (Aris) Hilburn, all of Marshall, TX; step-mother, Mrs. Velma Michell of Marshall, TX; siblings, Mrs. Betsy Williams of Houston, TX, Mrs. Ella Marshall of Marshall, TX, Mr. W.L. Mitchell, Jr., of California and Mr. Reginald (Linda) Green of Waskom, TX; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; six         sister-in-law's; two brother-in-law's and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.