Gerald L. "Gerry" Mitchell
Obituaries
d page 3D - May 3, 2020
Gerald L. Mitchell
March 1, 1953 - April 24, 2020
Gerry was born in Provo,
Utah, the oldest of six children
born to Gerald and Velma
Joann. His childhood was spent
primarily in Roosevelt, Utah.
He served a mission for the LDS
church in Kentucky/Tennessee.
He served in the U.S. Army
as a Psych Tech for seven and
one half years, stationed in
Colorado, Texas, and Germany,
Rank of Spec 5.
He received his education at Utah State and BYU. Completing
a Master’s Degree, he was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
His career was spent at the VA Medical Center, Grand Junction.
His dedicated therapy enabled veterans to live fuller lives. Many
commented that Gerry “saved my life.” He trained Social Work
students from various universities, and was awarded the Honored
Alum Award for Professional in 1998.
He and Annette Nelson married and had five children, Nathan
(Verna), Melissa (Albino), Jory (Rush), Jessica, and DeLacey.
In 1995 he married Diana Champlain. That added children,
Amy (Peter) and Brett, to his circle. He greatly enjoyed the ten
grandchildren. He was an adoring husband, caring father, loving
grandfather, and compassionate friend.
His wife of 24 years, Diana, the children, grandchildren, and four
siblings survive him. His parents and his sister, Pat, predecease
him.
Some of the hobbies that were dear to him were backpacking,
fly-fishing, fossil hunting, poetry, photography, and international
travel.
He had a tender heart and fun sense of humor. He was loved and
will be greatly missed.
Visitation at Callahan-Edfast at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, May 8,
with burial at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. Memorial gifts
may be given to VAMC, Social Work Emergency Fund
