John Covert Mitchell

John Covert Mitchell, Sr., 95, of Franklin, passed away on Friday, August 3rd, 2018, in Franklin, PA.He was born on July 26, 1923, the son of R. Hugh and Vera (McKenzie) Mitchell of the Village of Nicklin. He has lived in Nicklin and has attended the Nicklin United Methodist Church all of his life. He was married to Clara G. Ebbert, of Reno, in 1946. They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on April 21st of this year.John began working at Joy Manufacturing while still in high school. He retired in 1983, with nearly 43 years of service, which included his years in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a cadet. He flew B-24 and B-29 bombers during World War II. After leaving the service, he used the GI Bill to get his instructor's rating. He then went on to teach many men and women to fly.He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and enjoyed going in to sign the book and deliver his wife's homemade cookies to his friends on Saturday mornings. He was a member of the club for 61 years.John also enjoyed building experimental airplanes from scratch, one of which he flew until the age of 90. He built and was constantly making improvements to the family's home. He spent a great deal of time tending a large garden and loved spending time with his family.In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Barbara Van Tassel (Tom) of Spicewood, TX, John C. Mitchell, Jr. (Barb), Beverly Kirby, and Andy Mitchell, all of Franklin. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Matthew Van Tassel of TX, Nathan Van Tassel (Jamie) of TX, Luke Mitchell (Barb) of Pittsburgh, Zachary Mitchell of N. Carolina, Andrew Kirby (Molly) of Strattanville, and Katie Kirby of Pittsburgh, as well as 8 great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents, Mr. Mitchell was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Hugh and Alice Mitchell; and his sister and brother-in-law, June and John Otto.Family and friends will be received from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 10, 2018 at the Nicklin United Methodist Church, 2602 Water Works Rd, Franklin, with Reverend Giles Bailey, Jr., officiating. Interment will be at the Nicklin Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in John's name to the Nicklin United Methodist Church, 2602 Water Works Road, Franklin, Pennsylvania, 16323.To send cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.