Keith Calvert Mitchell

Keith Calvert Mitchell, 93, passed away Friday November 14, 2025, at home with family by his side. He was born April 5, 1932 to Thomas B. and Bertha (Calvert) Mitchell. He graduated from Trafalgar High School in 1950 and attended Franklin College, where he met his future wife, Joanne (Ashworth) Mitchell. His college career was interrupted by service in the U.S. Army and a tour of overseas duty during the Korean conflict. He returned to Franklin College after his discharge, graduating with a degree in mathematics in 1956. He and Joanne were married in the chapel of First Christian Church Columbus, IN on December 11, 1955. After filling in as a last-minute substitute teacher, Keith realized that he had found his career path and quickly obtained a master’s degree in education from Indiana University. Most of his years teaching were spent at Northside Junior High School and Columber North High School. Keith also spent countless hours coaching track & field student athletes while at both schools, specializing in the hurdles. Using his math skills, Keith started a small business making and selling candles, achieving the designation of Master Candler as a member of the International Guild of Candle Artisans. He particularly enjoyed the challenges of creating his own unique candle molds and experimenting with types of wax and colors. Some of his favorite times were spent traveling with Joanne and their children selling handmade candles and handsewn fashions at craft fairs across the state. Most of all, Keith loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed an evening spent telling stories around the campfire and roasting s’mores; as much as sunning on the beach at the seashore before watching fireworks over the ocean or just a quiet evening at home with the love of his life. As a member of both the Indiana State and USA National track & field officials associations, he traveled with his wife across the U.S., officiating track meets and becoming a USATF Mater Official and member of the USATF Officials Hall of Fame. Specializing in throw events, he officiated such prestigious events as the 1982 USA-USSR meet; the 1987 Pan American Games; multiple Olympic Trials as well as both the 1996 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Atlanta GA. Survivors include daughters Paula Mitchell of Franklin, IN; Beth (Judy Rogers) Mitchell of Franklin, IN; son K.C. (Bridget) Mitchell of Jenison, MI; granddaughter Emily (Bill) Russner of Grand Rapids, MI; great grandson Theodore M. Russner of Grand Rapids MI; brother-in-law Edward (Carla) Ashworth of Delaware, OH, sister-in-law Margaret (Dean) Mitchell of Franklin, IN brother-in-law Larry (Janis) Stillinger; along with many nieces and nephews. Keith was preceded in death by his parents & wife along with his brother Dean (Margaret) Mitchell of Trafalgar, IN; sister Kathleen & brother-in-law Merrill Smith of Franklin, IN; and sister-in-law Janis (Larry) Stillinger of Columbus, IN. A memorial gathering will take place from 1:00 until 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. A private inurnment will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery, with military honors, on Saturday morning.