DONALD MITCHELL

CARTERVILLE, Ill. -- Donald R. Mitchell, 75, of Carterville died Sunday, July 1, 2001, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Ill.

He was born April 4, 1926, son of Carroll R. and Margaret McDonald Mitchell and adopted son of Thomas and Mary McDonald.

Mitchell attended Murphysboro, Ill., High School, Mercer University in Macon, Ga., the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois in 1947, and received a juris doctorate degree from the University of Illinois School of Law in 1950.

He was founder and senior partner of the former law firm of Mitchell, Brandon and Schmidt of Carbondale. He practiced law in Southern Illinois more than 40 years.

Mitchell was a former city attorney of Vienna, Ill., states's attorney of Johnson County, special assistant attorney general of Illinois, law clerk to the late Illinois Appellate Court Judge C.E. Wright, and delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1964.

He was a member of several bar and trial lawyers associations, Elks Lodge 1243 in Carbondale, American Legion Post 127 in Murphysboro, and past exalted ruler of Elks Lodge 572 in Murphysboro.

Mitchell served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Jean; a daughter, Mary Henry of Metropolis, Ill.; a son, James Mitchell of Phoenix, Ariz.; a stepson, David Hartman of Port Orchard, Wash.; a stepdaughter, Kathryn Hartman of Henderson, Nev.; four half brothers, Howard, William, Stephen and Dr. John Mitchell; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son.

Friends may call at Crain Funeral Home Pleasant Grove Chapel in Murphysboro from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Murphysboro. The Rev. Gary Gummersheimer will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.