Claude Duane Mitchell Sr.

Claude Duane Mitchell Sr., 80, of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on February 1, 2026, at Community Hospital South. He was born on February 4, 1945, in Oxnard, California to Claude William and Charlotte Pearl (Vardiman) Mitchell.

Upon his father’s discharge from the US Navy, the family returned to Seymour, Indiana where they previously resided. Claude attended Washington Grade School then graduated from Seymour High School, class of 1963. He loved running track and field and played minor league baseball. He attended Sullivan University in Louisville, Kentucky, achieving a degree in Accounting while working for the Louisville Courier Journal.

Moving to Indianapolis, Indiana, he worked various jobs. He then began working for BF Beverage Company as a Business Manager, as it then became Zink Distributing Company LLC. He continued his career there for 16 additional years until his retirement in 2017.

Claude met his loving wife Susan in 1995 and married in 1997.

Claude loved baseball. The Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds were his favorite teams. He and Susan enjoyed taking day bus trips to watch his favorite teams play. They also enjoyed staying local and watching the Indianapolis Indians. Some of their favorite things to do together were going to the theater, listening to music, movies, and dancing.

Claude truly loved the Lord and was a devoted catholic. He was a genuinely kind and friendly man with the biggest smile. He will be missed more than words can express.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude William and Charlotte Pearl, son, Duane Mitchell Jr., infant brother, Douglas Mitchell, brother-in-law, Tom Stewart of Columbus, IN, brother and sister in laws, Pat (Ralph) Stroud of Marengo, IN, Sharon (Gary) Clark of Indianapolis, IN.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Susan D. (Lemmon) Mitchell, brother, Mike Mitchell of Indianapolis, IN, sister, Diana Stewart of Columbus, IN, sister-in-law, Janet (Roy) Partenheimer of Birdseye, IN, daughter, Natalie (Jim) Ercole of Greenwood, IN, four grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, his best friend, Tom Russo of Wausau, WI and many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Visitation is Wednesday, February 11, 2026 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Indiana Funeral Care, Greenwood Chapel.

Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm, Deacon Nick Martin officiating. Burial to immediately follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

No flowers please.