Obituary of Douglas Allen Mitchell

Douglas Allen Mitchell, cherished son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was born October 1, 1948 Tacoma, Washington. He passed away March 24, 2018 at Madigan Army Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded by his father James R. Mitchell. He is survived by his mother Margaret Mitchell, beloved wife of 47 years Wanda Mitchell, daughters Melissa Richards and Melanie Silfies, grandchildren Ashley Hayes, Mathew Mitchell, Michael Richards, Peter Hayes, Jr., Garrett Hayes, Dakota Silfies, Kaitlyn Richards, Teagan Silfies and Great-Grandchildren Copelin Mitchell, Kristof Kracht, Blake Mitchell, Sawyer Mitchell and Lyela Hayes. Douglas retired from the US Army where he served as a Medical Laboratory Specialist for a little over 15 years. He finished out his Army career as an instructor at the NCO Academy at Fort Lewis where he did what he loved most, helped mold soldiers into NCO's. He was a decorated service member receiving a National Defense Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (5 times), Overseas Service Ribbon, and Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3 times). His time in the service was some of the best times of his life and gave him the opportunity to see many parts of the world. Outside of his service career Douglas was a dedicated family man. He spent his retirement years doing his best to take care of his family and insisting on those big embarrassing family photos. He enjoyed spending time with his wife Wanda, they made many road trips together to Reno and Las Vegas. His grandchildren would probably insist that he is the smartest man they have ever known. You could ask him just about anything and he would go on for hours on that one subject. His family will tell you he was a very strong man and overcame many challenges in his life that most people couldn't have. He stayed strong and fought right to the end. The loss felt by the family is immense and his memory will be cherished forever. Services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetary, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98042 on Monday April 16th, 2018 at 1:30pm.