Robert “Bob” Elwood Mitchell, age 81, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, at Pleasant View Home in Inman while under hospice care and surrounded by his family.

Bob was born on August 28, 1944, in Wichita, Kansas, to Carroll “Mitch” & Fauna Mitchell. During his high school years, he attended military school in Mexico, Missouri, for three years before graduating from Wichita East High School, home of the Blue Aces, in 1962.

Bob proudly served his country on active duty in the United States Navy from August 2, 1965, to September 4, 1969. After completing Aviation Ordnance Class “A” School, he served aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) and attained the rate of Aviation Ordnance man Second Class (AO2), pay grade E-5. His service included more than two years and eight months of foreign and sea duty. His decorations included the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, Presidential Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960). He was honorably released from active duty, and his family remained deeply proud of his military service throughout his life.

Bob built a successful 34-year career in the bread industry, working as a controller for Rainbo Bakery and later retiring from Sara Lee. He was known for being meticulous, dependable, hardworking and devoted to his routines. Bob was a proud member of Hutchinson-Reno Masonic Lodge No. 124. A valued Scottish Rite Mason since 1981, he was affiliated with the Valley of Wichita, Orient of Kansas, and held the distinction of 32° KCCH. He enjoyed collecting knives, pens and watches, and he believed strongly in the value of working hard and doing things well.

Bob married Linda Rae Sparr on August 14, 1970, and they shared 24 years of marriage. On February 14, 1995, he married Charlotte Faye, with whom he shared more than 31 years.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte; his children, Curtis (Pam) Mitchell of Hutchinson, Lynette (John)Wilkening of Hutchinson, and Dena Donovan of California; and his sister, Rosemary (Ron) Metcalf, Cypress, Texas.

Bob was a proud grandfather to Gregory (Sami) Gonzales, Madison & Adryan Mitchell, Tiana Smith of Hutchinson, Tenley & Tessa Wilkening of Hutchinson, Megan Reid of California and Molly Donovan of Arizona. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Ariana, Renae, Ella and Gracelyn Gonzales of Hutchinson, Wyatt and Finnegan Reid of California.

He was preceded in death by his parents (1991); his brother, Bill Mitchell, who passed away in 2014; and his beloved grandson, Payton Mitchell, who passed away from SIDS in 2007.

Bob’s life was marked by service, responsibility, perseverance and devotion to his family. He endured many health challenges with remarkable determination and continued fighting with courage. His family will remember his attention to detail, his familiar routines, his strong work ethic and the many ways he showed his love.

Celebration of Life Service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at Elliot Chapel, with Pastor Tim Adrian officiating. Entombment will follow in the Fairlawn Burial Park Mausoleum. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23, 2026, and 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, August 23, with the family present on Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

Click here to view Bob's Celebration of Life Service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter in Bob’s memory, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Bob’s family is grateful to everyone who cared for him, supported him and surrounded him with love throughout his final journey. His legacy will live on through the family he loved and the lessons of hard work, strength and perseverance that he leaves behind.