David Appleby Mitchell

David Appleby Mitchell, 90, died peacefully at his home on December 8, 2024 in Sacramento, California.

David was born August 26, 1934 in Wisconsin to Joseph David Mitchell Jr. and Mildred Appleby Mitchell. David grew up in Stilwell, Oklahoma and Fayetteville, Arkansas. After graduating from Fayetteville High School in 1951, he attended the University of Arkansas. He soon joined the Air Force, marking the beginning of a decorated 20-year military career as a navigator aboard B-52 bomber aircraft. In 1956, he married Pauline Wilson in Carson City, Nevada. David was deployed multiple times to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, during the Vietnam War. Upon his separation from the Air Force in 1973, David returned to college to complete his Bachelors degree in Business from the University of Arkansas.

David was an active member of Northminster Presbyterian Church in Sacramento. He enjoyed gardening, reading historical books, and trying his luck with the stock market. 

David is survived by his three children, David (Kaye) Mitchell, Jr. of Antelope, California; Robert (Cheryl) Mitchell of East Taunton, Massachusetts; and Lorie (Tom Dyer) Garlick of Sacramento, California; two granddaughters, Ashley (Matt) Hammons of Martinez, California, and Nicole Mitchell of East Taunton, Massachusetts; and a brother, John Tate Mitchell of Cane Hill, Arkansas.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pauline Mitchell (2020); a sister, Virginia “Ebie” Matula (2023); a brother, Joseph “J.D.” Mitchell III (2011); a brother, George Mitchell (2000); and a brother, James Mitchell (1977).

A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.