DAVID A. MITCHELL

David A. Mitchell, age 54, passed away at 11:46 a.m. at his home on Thursday, May 22, 2008. Born in Columbus, OH on November 24, 1953, he was the son of Thomas W. and Ellen M. (Wilgus) Mitchell.He graduated with the Class of 1972 from Jackson High School, Jackson, OH and he served in the United State Navy from 1972 to 1975. He completed his education in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Pastoral Ministries from Summit Christian College now known as Taylor University, Fort Wayne, IN. From 1988-1991, he pastored Thorncreek Church of God, he planted New Hope Wesleyan Church from 1992-1994, he worked as a driver for Transportation Resources & Management, Inc. from 1994-1998, and he was employed as an owner/operator for Smurfit Stone Container and Transcorr from 1998-2006. On November 14, 1998, he was united in marriage to Tamara R. (Lemon) Sauers in Columbia City, IN. He was also a co-founder of Right Side Christian School now known as Faith Christian Academy. He attended Salem Community Bible Church and Gospel-Land Ministries Inc.Survivors include his wife, Tamara R. Mitchell of Columbia City; step-children, Sie (Heide) Sauers of Wales, WI, Sara Sauers of Orlando, FL, Scot Sauers of Columbia City and Sheila Sauers of Columbia City; sons, Kenneth (Elisa) Mitchell of Columbia City and Wesley Mitchell of Spring Hill, FL; mother-in-law, Barbara Lemon of Columbia City; 3 grandchildren and 1 step-grandchild; 2 brothers and 1 sister. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and father-in-law, James Lemon.Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Monday, May 26, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is 3 p.m. with 1 hour of calling prior to service on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Kevin Whitacre of Good Shepherd United Brethren and Dr. David Biberstein of Pathway Community Church officiating. Burial will follow at Adams Cemetery, Etna-Troy Township, rural Columbia City. Memorials may be given in Mr. Mitchells memory to New Hope Wesleyan Church Building Fund or Whitley County 4-H Horse & Pony Club. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com