Kenneth Vance Mitchell

Kenneth Vance Mitchell Obit

Written by his family.

Kenneth Vance Mitchell came into this world two minutes before his twin brother, Keith, on February 23, 1932 at Yuma Hospital. Waiting at home was 1 ½ year old sister Darlene. This arrival brought a houseful of blessings and anxiety to parents, Byron and Lillian Adams Mitchell.

It is impossible to discuss the life of Kenneth without including his twin brother Keith they were inseparable.  The Great Depression caused the family to move to the Frank Mitchell farm north of Yuma, where you could find the two-year-olds running on the roof of the house and elbow-deep in tractor grease.

The brothers went to Yuma schools where they excelled in athletics. Kenneth and Keith played catch throughout their high school career: end and quarterback, guard and forward, catcher and pitcher. When they weren’t playing sports they were involved in band and student government. They graduated from Yuma High School in 1950. Both headed to Colorado State University where they became proud members of SigEp and graduated in 1954. After graduation, they served two years in the United States Air Force as Second Lieutenants.

The duo had been inseparable until women came into the their lives. Kenneth married Nancy Babcock on July 23, 1955. Four children were born into this union – Robin, Gay, Skip and Sally. The marriage ended in 1969.

On July 12, 1970, Kenneth and his four children married Dorothy Fuerst Bradley and her three children: Vicky, Rocky, and Deb. As the couple was pronounced man and wife, all seven children applauded and the church bell rang. “I don’t feel like I performed a marriage ceremony,” said the pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, “I feel like I formed a corporation.”  

Kenneth’s strong work ethic and passion were evident in every venture he pursued, starting with his first job at Kitzmiller’s Drug in Yuma as soda jerk and stock boy in high school. In 1959, he inherited Mitchell Implement, a Minneapolis Moline dealership. Then he expanded - selling New Holland Equipment, Farm Hand Equipment, and Behlen Buildings. An innovative businessman, he owned Yuma Manufacturing, KD Farms, Children’s Workshop and Mitchell’s Flea Market.

He still found time to give back to his community. Kenny served the City of Yuma for 26 years, four as mayor and 22 as a city council member. He was a member of the Yuma Lions, Yuma Golf Association, Meals on Wheels and St. John’s Lutheran Church. He coached youth baseball in Yuma for decades. He was recognized as the Grand Marshal in the fair parade after serving 13 years as the Yuma County Fair Manager.

You could find Kenny golfing, playing cards, working in his shop repurposing and refinishing, bidding at auctions, water witching, tractor pulling, hunting pheasants, shooting trap and watching his family grow.

Kenny will be remembered for his generosity, forgiveness and wit. He gave opportunities and second chances to all (sometimes even second second chances).  On May 12, 2016, Kenny had his last heart attack.

Although his door on Earth has closed, he opened doors for his family, friends and community leaving a legacy for those touched to do the same for others.

He was preceded in death by: parents Byron Cyrus Mitchell and Lillian Audrey Adams Mitchell; his twin brother Keith Mitchell; in laws Paul and Ardith Fuerst; and great grandson Chance Weber.

As Kenny would say, those “still above ground, upright and taking in oxygen,” are: his wife Dorothy Mitchell; sister Darlene Mitchell Korf and husband Russell; sister-in-law Jean Mitchell; daughter Vicky Bradley Bachtel and husband Earl; son David “Rocky” Bradley and wife Amber; daughter Robin Mitchell Albright and husband Charles; daughter Debra Bradley Sowder and husband John; daughter Gay Mitchell Henry and husband Clifford; son Skip Mitchell and wife Lori; daughter Sally Mitchell Strand and husband Ray; 27 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The memorialservice was held on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Yuma, Colorado with Pastor Timothy Davis officiating.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.