Robert Ernest Mitchell

Robert (Bob) Ernest Mitchell, age 93, of Newburg, MD, passed away Friday, April 14, 2023, at home surrounded by family. Bob was born in Washington D.C, to the late William H. and Marjorie E. Mitchell. The family moved to Charles County when Bob was in his teens, and he lived there ever since. After graduating from La Plata High School, he worked for SMECO while pursuing his dream to become a professional baseball player. He played ball for various farm leagues and was signed to play for the Washington Senators, but, regrettably, a serious accident prevented him from continuing his baseball career. Bob worked for SMECO for 31 years, retiring as Public and Personnel Relations Manager. After retiring from SMECO, he held various positions at The Davis Corp., Makielski Reed Corp., DH Steffens, and Southern Maryland Oil. Bob was appointed to the Maryland Real Estate Commission by Governor Hughes, and Governor Schaefer, serving for 14 years. He also served on the Charles County Planning Commission for 6 years. Bob was a well-loved and highly respected community member and served many local organizations at various times in his life. Some of these organizations include Center for Children, Melwood Training Center, Maryland State Chamber of Commerce, Maryland State Manpower Council, Associated Builders and Contractors – Southern Maryland Chapter, Southern Maryland Heart Association, Charles County Chamber of Commerce, and Charles County Economic Development Commission. Bob was a Past Master of Masonic Order – St. Columbia Lodge #150 AF & AM, Past President of the Waldorf Lions Club, past member of the Charles County Rotary Club. After moving to Southern Maryland, he quickly fit right in and developed strong bonds with many lifelong friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, and his love for fishing and boating never ended. He knew some of the best fishing spots in the Potomac River and spent lots of hours on the water, either fishing or taking long pleasure trips on his boat. Bob was an avid golfer and loved spending many, many hours on the golf course enjoying the links and the best of company. He was quick with a joke and a great storyteller. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Joan, whom he was blessed to share over 42 wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by his son, Robert M. (Mike) Mitchell, daughter, Patricia A. (Patti) Mitchell Raymond, and stepson, Keith D. Rollins. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by sisters, Marjorie Cramer, and Hazel Geib; sons, Richard D. (Ricky) Mitchell and William Jay Mitchell; and daughters, Betsy Jane Strobel, and Bobbie Sue Thomas. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 from 9AM until time of service at 11:00AM at the La Plata United Methodist Church, 3 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata, Maryland 20646 with the Reverend Susan Boehl officiating. A reception in the church hall to follow services. Private interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P. O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or to the Maryland Veterans Museum at Patriot Park, 11000 Crain Highway, Newburg, MD 20664.

Robert Ernest Mitchell

February 1, 1930 - April 14, 2023