Phillip Andrew Mitchell

Phillip Andrew Mitchell

September 25, 1928 – March 31, 2020

Phillip (Phil) A. Mitchell passed away at his home on March 31, 2020, after battling leukemia. He was 91 years old. Phil was born out west into a share cropping family. After losing his father to a work-related accident, Phil’s family moved to Baltimore, MD. In 1945, at 17 and needing his mother’s written permission, Phil enlisted in the United States Navy. He served four years, assigned to the Naval Fleet in the Pacific at the end of WWII. In 1951, Phil enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Southwest Asia and stateside. As an Expert Marksman, Phil was most proud of working as a Marksman Instructor at the pistol and rifle ranges. He also served as a Platoon Sergeant in the 8th & I Silent Drill Team in Washington, DC. Phil was proud of being one the first selections to work in the Marine Corps Data Processing Center in the 1960s. While in the service Phil furthered his education by going to college.

After his military career, Phil did a number of jobs including working for the Department of Transportation. He was the driver for the then Secretary of State, James Baker. After retiring, Phil became a docent at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and was active up until his passing. He loved being part of the museum and considered them family. Phil was well known for his great ability to tell stories of his experiences in the United States Marine Corps and of travelling the world. Even in his 90s, Phil was able to recall and share stories from his service in the USMC with great clarity.

Phil was a very giving man and loved his Friday night dinners at Cracker Barrel. He knew just about everyone there, and the staff was extremely kind to him as well. Phil touched many people’s lives in a positive way and will be dearly missed. Active with his local church, he kept in touch with the Concordia Lutheran Church pastor and made sure to help with the holiday cheer. If you ever met Phil, you would remember him forever.

Phil is survived by his children Stephen, Shawn and Pamela, former wives Mildred and Sally, step-daughters Marci and Becki, and by many grand-children and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his cherished wife Shirley, son Roderick, and step-daughter Terri.

Burial will be at a later time at the National Quantico Cemetery. Phil will be buried in section 22 next to his wife, Shirley.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.