Thomas J. Mitchell, a resident of Whitmore Lake, MI, formerly of Dexter, MI, passed away on November 29, 2019 at the age of 78. Tom was the father of Karen (Stephen) Campbell of Pinckney and Kristen Mitchell of Dexter, and loving grandfather to Jack, Sarah, Katie, and Ellie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Mitchell, parents, Franklin and Mamie (Chatman) Mitchell, brother, Darell Mitchell, and son-in-law, Paul Ogg.
Tom was born in Troy, Ohio on August 12, 1941. He married Marilyn Kay Maleski, his high school sweetheart, in Ypsilanti in 1963. Following graduation from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in industrial engineering, Tom started a career with General Motors that spanned nearly 36 years. Tom and Marilyn began raising their family in Ypsilanti and in 1989 moved to Dexter to a home he designed and built.
Tom was an avid radio control aircraft enthusiast and an active member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics; he was a member of the Milan Flyers and Scio Flyers and a founder of the Wolverine Classic Radio Control Competition. For a number of years, he was a licensed private pilot and enjoyed making frequent trips to Frankenmuth, Mackinac Island, and Blissfield. Tom could often be found in his garage renovating classic cars. In this and in all things, he was known for his meticulous attention to detail.
Tom always carried a book with him, particularly during summer vacations in northern Michigan. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and helping them build things in the basement shop. His home was never complete without a pair of dachshunds.
A Memorial Service is scheduled on Saturday, January 11th, 2020 at the Ypsilanti Friends Church, 7890 Tuttle Hill Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:30 am, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Foundation, 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie, IN 47302, (modelaircraft.org/give) in honor of Tom’s passion for model aviation.
