Milton “Bud” Mitchell

Milton “Bud” E. Mitchell, 87, of Buchanan passed away on Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 at Hanson Hospice Care, Stevensville peacefully with his family by his side.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Glendora 1733 W. Glendora Rd., Buchanan with Pastor Jonathan Liebich officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow services at Oak Ridge Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com
Bud was born on March 23, 1935 in the family farm house to Milton P. and Ruby (Painter) Mitchell in Buchanan. Growing up on the family farm he became a life-long lover of nature and animals, especially his cattle. Bud graduated from New Troy High School in 1953. Upon graduation, he took a course in Animal Husbandry at Michigan State University. During the course of the class, Bud was drafted in the United States Army. He spent his entire life in Buchanan, with the exception of 2 years he spent in the United States Army stationed in Germany. While serving in the Army, he had the honor of serving on the Army Pistol Traveling Team that would travel throughout Germany competing. This was one of the proudest times of his life, although as it turned out, there were many more proud times ahead for him.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Bud started his career as a tool and die maker. He made a wise career move when he chose to work and eventually retire from R and M Manufacturing in Niles. Bud married the love of his life, Jane (Buchanan) Mitchell on June 17th, 1961. Together, they built a home and life on the family’s Centennial farm while raising swine and cattle, as well as growing crops of wheat, corn, and hay. Early in their marriage, they chose to start a family. They had three boys in three years. Bud loved teaching and encouraging a hard work ethic in his boys by including them in the everyday chores of their farm. Later in life, he enjoyed many hours playing with his grandchildren and pulling jokes on them. Bud spent many years fox and deer hunting with his brother, brother-in-law and friends. Another very proud moment for Bud was the building of the family cabin with his family. He enjoyed working on it with Larry and Vernon, his brother and brother-in-law respectively, as well as his sons. Even though Bud enjoyed and loved all of his nieces and nephews, his niece Lynda Mitchell Smith held a special place in his heart. Bud was a member of Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church of Glendora in Buchanan. In the words of his wife, Jane, “Bud was a humble man, very bright, but never flaunted it.” He was affectionately called, “The man of the Earth.”
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jane (Buchanan) Mitchell and his three sons and their wives, Timothy Mitchell, Daniel (Jane) Mitchell, and David (Dawn) Mitchell. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren and their spouses: Allison (Dakota) Butcher, Andrew Mitchell, Adam Mitchell, Michael Mitchell, Kevin Mitchell, Matthew (Danielle) Mitchell, and Erica Mitchell. Surviving Bud, are his siblings and their spouses: Marjorie Trapp and Barbara (Dave) Adams. Close to him, as well, with feelings of loss are his sister-in-laws Marlene Mitchell and Mary Wolski, many nieces and nephews, and former daughter-in-law Marylea Orth Mitchell. Preceding him in death were his parents, Milton and Ruby Mitchell, and his brother, Larry Mitchell.