Robert Mitchell Jr.

Robert Mitchell Jr., of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on April 20, 2026, at the age of 84.

He was born June 14, 1941, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Augustine Allen Alexander and Robert Mitchell, and was raised in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Robert’s work ethic started early. As a young boy in Alabama, he worked in the fields. Later, he had a paper route, and by high school, he was working as a busboy at a local country club under the guidance of his mentor, Dr. Woodford.  That opportunity led to his first internship at Whirlpool. There he learned early on lessons that would stay with him. He believed in doing things the right way, staying focused, and handling his responsibilities, and that never left him.

He carried himself with pride. Always dressed to the nines, with a sense of class and a touch of flair that was his and his alone. People noticed, and without trying, he inspired others just by how he showed up.

He graduated from Benton Harbor High School as an honor student and played tennis.

While in college, Robert was drafted into the United States Army and stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. During that time, missing his high school sweetheart and fiancée, Odell, he told her to plan the wedding because he was coming to get his bride. He returned home, and the two were married on July 17, 1964, beginning a life together that lasted more than 60 years.

After his service, he earned his engineering degree from Western Michigan University. He began his career at Whirlpool Corporation, working on engineering blueprints connected to the Apollo 11 Moon landing, supporting systems that prepared meals for astronauts who traveled to the moon.

He later continued his career at General Electric, where he earned multiple awards and honors for his performance. He took pride in being consistent, reliable, and someone who got the job done right. As the first Black person to work on many engineering projects at the company, his presence helped open doors for others.

People came to Robert for advice because he cared. He had a way of seeing more in others than they sometimes saw in themselves, and he was willing to share his experiences and life lessons.  Faith guided his life. He accepted Christ at an early age, and in 1982, the family joined Zion Hope Baptist Church in Indianapolis, where he remained a faithful member.

Family was the most important thing to him, and celebrating all occasions was an event; he was always punctual and willing to help. For over 40 years, he and Odell hosted an annual party for several October birthday celebrations at their home. With so many generations enjoying the time, it was truly a family reunion filled with fellowship, laughter, love, food, and time well spent. They spent months planning to ensure everyone had an awesome time. That was his way of bringing people together.

Robert worked hard and enjoyed life. He was a founding member of the BH & T Social Club, and the entire family were members of Jack and Jill while living in Fort Wayne. He loved his teams, the Pacers and the Colts, and every season meant a baseball cap to represent them, win or lose. Some of his favorite memories were simply being with family at games.

He loved music, he appreciated the latest technology and gadgets, and he loved dancing.

Above all, he loved his family.

He leaves to cherish in memory his wife, Odell; his children, Kim Mitchell and Garridan (Denise) Mitchell; his grandchildren, Bree and Braden Mitchell; along with a host of sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Geraldine Baker, Carl Mitchell, and Ron Mitchell.

We honor his life, his legacy, and the example he set, and we thank God for the time shared with him.

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