Raymond Allen Mitchell, 74, of Palacios passed away Sunday, August 15, 2010 in Bay City. He was born May 23, 1936 in Crane, Texas to the late Royce R. & Mary Pastusek Mitchell. Mitch grew up in the Gulf Camps in the Odessa Area. He started his college career at Rice University, but ended up transferring to the University of Texas in Austin and graduated in May of 1959. In 1962 Mitch received his Masters Degree from the University of New Mexico. On August 31, 1957 he married Marilyn Johnson in Palacios.

Mitch was a Political Activist, Environmentalist, Registered Professional Engineer, and had vast experience with the Space Program working directly with the Astronauts. He was a man of many talents, who loved his church and Palacios as well. Mitch was a Plank owner of the Live Poets' Society and Yellow Dog Democrat. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with a wry sense of humor. Mitch showed great courage during his many bouts of illness, and would never give up fighting. One of his proudest accomplishments was helping form a new Methodist Church in Pearland in 1996, where he was a Lay Pastor.

Mitch is survived by his wife of 52 years: Marilyn Johnson Mitchell of Palacios; daughter: Julie Weiss & husband Brett; son: Brett Mitchell; grandson: Michael Worsham; sister: Nancy McCarley & husband Bob; 2 nieces: Lee Ann McCarley and Laurie Sistak; brother-in-law: Don Johnson & wife Donna; 2 nephew: Jeff Johnson and Matt Johnson; numerous cousins; and 2 cats: Selena & Foster.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church of Palacios with Rev. June White officiating. Interment will be held at Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Dale Behnke, Gene Allen, John Connor, Brett Weiss, Michael Worsham, and Don Johnson.

Donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Palacios, Box 947, Palacios, TX 77465; Palacios Library, 326 Main St., Palacios, TX 77465; or the Robert Duran Food Pantry, Box 791, Palacios, TX 77465.