Billy G. Mitchell, 75, of Cheapside and Victoria, passed away at his ranch home Saturday evening, July 27, 2013, with his wife of 51 years by his side. As a devout Christian and member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, he recited the rosary daily and had a special veneration to St. Bernadette.
He was born March 7, 1938, in Gonzales County to J.D. and Emma Christian Mitchell. He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1956. On Oct. 7, 1960 he successfully completed a course of study with the Texas Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Academy as a Highway Patrolman and on Sept. 12, 1969, he completed his in-service training as a License and Weight Patrolman. He was Honorably Discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States of America on March 31, 1963.
Billy spent 13 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Not wanting to leave Victoria, he became employed with Dupont. Within six years of employment he was offered the position of production supervisor, which was a rare feat in those days.
The highlight of his career with Dupont was helping young engineers learn the process area from the ground up. The knowledge he passed down to these engineers was instrumental toward their receiving a good start in their careers and a bond of lasting friendships. After retiring from Dupont in 1994, Billy became a full time rancher, along with his wife, fulfilling his lifetime dream.
Billy is survived by his wife, Jeanette Manasek Mitchell, two sons, William “Ty” Mitchell of Victoria and Michael “Brent” Mitchell and his fiancée, Shannon Hobbs, both of Austin. He is also survived by his three pets, Bandit, Bella and Scruffy.
He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Ruby and Frank “Sonny” Sievers of Gonzales; and his brother-in-law, Jerry J. Manasek of Sinton; his nephew, Larry Sievers and wife Cathy; great nephews, Jason and Mitch Sievers; great nieces, Brandi and husband Kory McIver and their child, Kali; Andi and husband Steve Coffman and their child, Jax; and Emily and Caitlin Sievers.
Besides being preceded in death by his parents, he is also preceded in death by his nephew, Gary Sievers.
Serving as pallbearers will be Andy Ruterbories, Chad Meyer, Nathan Pekar, Lanny Baker, Clarence Strait, Mark Zgabay, David Harrison and Sidney Brown.
Honorary pallbearers are Michelle Ruterbories, Thuy Mai, Diane Harrison, Scot and Lee Ann Kessler, Maria and Nic Gramig, Oscar Cisneros, Wayne Brusenhan, Rusty Wall, Ty Harris, John Novak, Ed Martinka, Walton Ramee and John Rachunek.
Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. at Freund Funeral Home, 213 North Gonzales St. in Cuero. The mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on 309 East Church St. in Cuero. Father David Berger will officiate. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum, on the corner of Mockingbird and Laurent Streets in Victoria. After the services the family will receive friends at Holy Family Catholic Church Annex on 704 Mallette Drive in Victoria.
The family would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to his visiting angels, Joshua, Laura, and Edna, and to Accolade Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mother Theresa Fund c/o St. Michael’s Catholic Church or the charity of your choosing.
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