CWO4 Robert Mitchell

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert "Mitch" Mitchell, 70, died Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at his home in Marianna, FL. He was surrounded by family and friends and passed peacefully in the comfort of his "Man Room."

Mitch was born on July 18, 1955, to Donald and Viola Mitchell at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, KS, and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Willingboro, NJ, before later earning a degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, FL, during his career in the Army.

CW4 Mitchell proudly carried forth his family's legacy of military service which dates back to the founding of our nation. Mitch dedicated his life to the service of his country through 50 years of combined service to the US Army, 25 years active duty, then 25 years in civilian roles. He leaves behind a proud legacy of his own with the Army Aviation program through his work as an Instructor Pilot, Branch Chief, Curator, and, ultimately, Director of the US Army Aviation Museum at Ft. Rucker.

Mitch was preceded in death by his grandparents, CPL Hugh Mitchell (US Army) and Laura Mitchell; his parents, LT COL Donald D. Mitchell (USAF) and 1LT Viola Mitchell (USAF); and his sister, MAJ Jan Maresca (USAF).

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Jean Mitchell; his son, Clayton Mitchell (Devon); as well as his beloved granddaughters, Kelsey, Kenzie, and Willow. He is also survived by his brothers, Patrick, and wife Linda, and their sons, Kevin and Ryan; his brother, Daniel and husband Rhett Monson; brother-in-law, Colonel Keith Maresca (USAF Retired) and his wife, Kathy; as well as nieces and nephews Amy, Kyle and wife, Margo, Kelley, SGT Kerry (USMC) and wife Jessica, Kippy, Kory, and Alexandra Maresca, and great-nephews Easton, Isaiah, Ezra, and Avila.

Funeral service will be 3 PM Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Graveside service with US Army Honors rendered will be 1 PM Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Barrancas National Cemetery. Those attending the graveside service need to meet no later than 12:30 PM at Olive Baptist Church – Warrington Campus, 103 W Winthrop Ave, Pensacola, FL 32507.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to the Army Aviation Museum Foundation. Checks can be mailed to: Army Aviation Museum Foundation, P.O. Box 620610, Fort Rucker, AL 36362; or you can donate online at https://www.armyaviationmuseum.org/get-involved/donate/.