Gerald Olin Mitchell

Gerald Olin Mitchell, age 92, of Belle passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025 at his residence surrounded by loving family.

Olin was born January 18, 1933, in Freedom, MO, a son to the late Willis and Era (Schwegler) Mitchell.

He was a lifelong area resident and a member of the Belle Community Church. Olin had also attended the Beulah Baptist Church and the Mt. Zion Baptist church and was the song leader for both for a time. He had served as vice resident of the Tri-County Coon Hunters Club, president of the Francis Cemetery board, the Belle/Bland Saddle Club, and of the 55 and Older Club for 17 years.

On September 19, 1952, he was united in marriage to Wanda Vandgrifft. Wanda preceded him in death on July 13, 2019.

Olin had been employed at International Shoe for 16 years and retired from Labors Union #840 after 27 years in the construction business.

Olin loved riding horses, went on many trail rides through the years, and passed that love onto his grandkids and the rest of his family. He enjoyed fishing and hunting coon, coyotes, quail and going on rides in his side by side. Olin liked going out to eat at Granny’s in Bland and J.J.’s in Belle and visiting with people. Olin loved spending time on his farm and above all, time spent with his family. He will be missed greatly by his family, community, and anyone who knew and loved him.

Olin is survived by: three children, Thelma Brown and her husband Mike of Linn, Gerald Mitchell and his wife Norma of Rolla , and Karen Brown of Bland; seven grandchildren, Keith Brown and his wife Karla of Bland, Kristy Brown of Blue Springs, Donnie Brown and his wife Carissa of Belle, Nikki Haslag and her husband Tracy of St. Clair, Gerry Mitchell and his wife Susan of St. James, Sheryl Mitchell and her husband Eric of Crawfordville, FL, and Tyra Wiegers and her husband Steve of Owensville; 16 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great grandchildren as well as many extended family members and friends.

Olin was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Wanda, his parents Willis and Era, a grandson Troy Feeler, a brother Arnold Mitchell, a sister Glayds Reed, an infant brother Ronald Mitchell, and a son-in-law Morris Brown.

A memorial service for Olin will take place at a later date and will be announced by Sassmann’s Chapel