Richard Lee Mitchell Sr, age 76, of Springfield, Mo. went peacefully to begin his eternal journey on February 5, 2009. He was born the youngest of seven children to Tollie and Anna Mitchell on February 19, 1932 in Pearl, Mo. Richard was preceded in death by the love of his life, Patricia L Mitchell and sons Jamie and Richard Jr. He is survived by his loving children and their families: Debby Hilliard, husband Johnny, children Matthew and Michael Pippin and Amory Hilliard: Scott Mitchell, daughters Shelly and Stephanie; Marty Mitchell, wife Melanie, sons Murphy and Michael; Libby Walker, husband Davy, children Lance, Kenzie and Luke; and Jennifer, Elloren, and Kaylee Mitchell, all daughters of Richard, Jr. He also has 4 great-grandchildren. Richard was a veteran of the Korean War. He retired from Springfield City Utilities in 1991 where he was a bus driver and transit supervisor. He also served his co-workers as President of the local transit union. He helped shape countless young men's lives through his time as a baseball and football coach, as well as umpiring for the Springfield parks system for more than 25 years. He was a PTA President at Tefft Elementary and Pipkin Jr. High schools, and an active youth leader, teacher, and Deacon at the RLDS Church for many years. Later in life, he transferred his membership to First & Calvary Presbyterian Church where he also served as a Deacon. Richard was an avid golfer and also a huge Cubs fan. Visitation will be from 3 to 5pm Sunday, February 8 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held 10 am Monday, February 9, 2009 at the Springfield National Cemetery.