ForeverMissed
Large image
His Life

Fred W. Mitchell Obituary

October 4, 2016

Fred W. Mitchell of Glen Mills, PA died on October 2, 2016 at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife Ruth, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage; sister Stella Superson of FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Fred was born in Meadville, PA. While attending his senior year of high school and participating in the Meadville chapter of the Civil Air Patrol, he enlisted in the US Navy upon the attack at Pearl Harbor. As a Seaman 1st Class Fred survived the sinking of destroyer USS Drexler DD-741 on May 28, 1945, in the battle of Okinawa receiving the award of Purple Heart.

Upon discharge Fred completed his education at Allegheny College, Meadville, PA and had a 40-year career with the Pennsylvania Railroad as a freight salesman. During his career, he and Ruth lived, among other places, Erie, PA; New York City, NY; Chicago, IL; and Denver, CO; before settling for 35 years in Glen Mills.

As a WWII veteran and survivor, Fred presented his inspiring story at numerous schools and organization throughout PA, appeared in a WWII documentary entitled “Wings of Defeat” produced by Edgewood Pictures, traveled to Japan to participate in peace reconciliation ceremonies throughout the country with surviving Kamikaze pilots, and participated in the United States premier of the documentary at the Japanese Society in New York City. In addition to his participation in the USS Drexler Survivor’s Association, Fred performed with the West Chester Community Chorus and as a member of Covenant (PCA) in Glen Mills sang in its choir.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, October 7 (visitation 10-11a and funeral 11-12noon) at Cavanagh Patterson Funeral Home, 43 East Baltimore Avenue, Media, PA. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested for the USS Drexler Survivor’s Association, 2606 Alvey Drive, Haymarket, VA 20169.