Cletus' Obituary
Cletus R. Mitchell, 101, passed away peacefully on Tuesday December 30, 2025, at his son’s home in Canton, GA, surrounded by his family members. Cletus was born at home in Anderson Township in Perry County, IN on January 3, 1924, to Debbie Ann Mitchell (Parks) and Floyd Mitchell. He attended Tell City High School, graduating class of 1942. He worked on the family farm until 1950, when he was accepted into the agriculture program at Purdue University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1953. While at Purdue, he met his beautiful wife, Geneve Anne Comer who was studying nursing at Home Hospital’s nursing program. He married Geneve on August 22,1954. Clete went on to earn a Master’s degree from Purdue in 1957.
Cletus had a passion for education and remained a teacher, even until his last day of life. His first job was as a Vocational Agriculture teacher at Dayton School, teaching freshmen through senior classes as well as eight grade science, 4-H, and FFA clubs. He then worked for Wayne Feeds and educated farmers on the value of nutritional supplements/feeds to increase farm animal productivity. He spent the last 30 years of his career teaching Agricultural Mechanics, first at Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, IL and finishing up at as an associate professor in Western Kentucky University’s Agriculture department. During his retirement, he has been a volunteer in agricultural projects in Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and Armenia. He was also a member of Alpha Zeta, the oldest national agricultural honorary professional society, an advisor to WKU’s Farmhouse fraternity and endowed a yearly WKU Agriculture scholarship. As his last days neared, he showed his children and grandchildren the strength and power of having a loving family that surrounds you and comforts you as you meet life’s challenges.
Cletus was married to Mrs. Geneve A. Mitchell for over 50 years until her passing in 2010. Together, they had five children: Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell of Battlecreek, MI, Sandy Mitchell of Bowling Green, KY (passed in 2024), Kevin Mitchell of Canton, GA, Jay Mitchell of Williamburg, VA and John Mitchell of Bowling Green, KY. He was also blessed with six wonderful grandchildren who adored their grandpa and six great grandchildren.
Friends may call from 12:00 PM (EST) until the time of Funeral Service 1:00 PM (EST) Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home (101 W. 4th St. Brookston, IN 47923). Interment to follow in Tippecanoe Memory Gardens of West Lafayette.
Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.
