Thomas (Tom) Raymond Mitchell of Christopher, originally of Benton, took his mother's hand on the morning of July 24th, and went home to meet the man upstairs. His time of passing was 5:10am that morning at Herrin Hospital, comfortably in his Lazy Boy recliner and house robe his wife had lovingly made by hand. He served his country in the Air Force for four years. Briefly after being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he began to excel in the mining industry. Becoming the youngest maintenance chief Freeman United Coal ever made, he also became the only maintenance chief who had ever been brought back to take the post three different times throughout his career, of his thirty-plus years with the company. He loved motor cycle riding, reminiscing of coal mining stories long since passed, and had a general knowledge of just about everything. His giving nature will never be forgotten. He was survived by his beloved partner and wife of thirty-six years, Lynda (Eldridge) Mitchell of Christopher. His five surviving children include: Thomas Raymond Mitchell Jr. and his wife (Laurie) of Tampa Bay, Florida; Tonya Moore of Henderson, Kentucky; Carman Shantel Gray and her husband (Kevin) of Orland Park, Kansas; Sara Annette Harris and husband (Jim) of Thompsonville, Illinois; and his baby, his redheaded spitfire, Kiley Kay Smith and husband (Christopher) of Christopher, Illinois. His Granddaughter, and the apple of Papaw's eye, Makaila Rai Todd, of Christopher, Illinois was by his side at his time of death. His other grandchildren who were there in spirit were Caleb Wayne Gray, Mitchell Thomas Phinney, Elace Shantel Gray, Samantha Ann Mitchell, Jacob Thomas Mitchell, Tarah Moore, Justin Moore, Dakota Thomas Borchelt, Mallory Beth Mays, Chloe Annette Mays, Lily Mae Smith, Lydia Irene Smith, and several great-grandchildren. He had one surviving sister, Betty Campbell and husband (Jerry) of Herrin. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Mitchell and Edna Mae (Gulley) Mitchell, as well as his brother Raymond Mitchell, all from Benton. Beloved husband, cherished Papaw, and adored father, Thomas Raymond Mitchell you did good. Rest in peace Mr. Mitchell was cremated at his request. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home in charge of services. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Online condolences can be given at www.hobbsjohnson.com.