Born in Waco, TX, Claude Mitchell, 83, died on February 26 of complications from Parkinson's Disease. He was preceded in death by his parents J.T. and Claudine and brother Charles. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia Ann Mitchell; daughters Heather Mitchell, Lara Jensen, and Claudia Thompson; sons-in-law Lars Jensen II and Javier Thompson; granddaughters Erika Jensen and Sabrina Thompson; grandsons Lars Jensen III, Sven Jensen and A.J. Thompson; and brother Kenneth Mitchell and sister Janet Houston.
Claude retired as a Lt. Col. from the United State Air Force after 20 years of service, including one year in Vietnam. He was an avid skier, mountain biker and hiker. He also loved sailing and kayaking.
Claude was a talented musician who played the piano, guitar, accordion, harmonica and last, but certainly not least, the bagpipes. He had a beautiful baritone voice and for many years sang and performed in Barbershop chorus and quartets.
His most important role was that of disciple of Christ. He was a Stephen Minister, as well as a volunteer for Walk to Emmaus, in charge of the prayer room for many retreats. He also served in various lay leadership positions at Methodist churches where he was a member.