Gene Ramsey Mitchell, Jr. was born May 16, 1950, the son of Gene R. and Mary Elizabeth (Sibal) Mitchell at Ogallala, Nebraska. Mitch, as he is better known, was born legally blind and suffered many illnesses during his lifetime. Mitch attended school at Nebraska City School for the Blind and later attended college at University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Mitch has lived in Englewood, Colorado for many years in an apartment and going to dialysis three times weekly the past thirty eight years. Mitch enjoyed attending church and working on his computer with the aid of devices connected to the computer for the blind operator.

When Mitch was out of high school, he worked for a time for the local police department when short wave radio was the means of communication. He worked under the supervision of police chief, Veldon "Slim" Fuller and did a great job. Mitch's father had an antenna and tower put up at their home and Mitch would communicate with people all over the United States via his radio. He also had the same equipment at his apartment in Colorado until computers became the new way of communication.

Mitch did volunteer work at the Nebraska Library for the Blind in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was very efficient at using the Braille writer, which he used to brail many documents for others. He was proud to live independently for all his adult life, never asking for help other than transportation to dialysis and doctor visits. He walked to the grocery store himself to do his shopping. Mitch had a great love for cats and his only companion was his cat named Rooney. He never complained of his handicaps, which were many, and when asked "How are you, Mitch?" , the response was always "Oh, I am fine."

Mitch was preceded in death by his father, Gene R. Mitchell, Sr. and a brother, Mark Mitchell at the age of ten, and his grandparents.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Mitchell of Ogallala; a sister, Joan Thornock and husband, Roy of Katy, Texas; one niece, Kimberly Olson and husband, Chris of Denver, Colorado; one nephew, Matthew Thornock of Denver, Colorado; one great niece, Brooke Olson; and numerous cousins.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2010 at the Ogallala United Methodist Church with Pastor James Miller officiating. Burial was in the Ogallala Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the donor's choice in his memory. Online condolences may be sent at gubserfuneralhome.com.

Gubser Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.