Arthur Howard Mitchell

TEMPLE – Arthur Howard Mitchell, 86, of Temple, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center on May 6, 2021, after battling a Covid-19 breakthrough infection.

Arthur was born at home in Temple to parents Wilena Robinson and Howard York Mitchell in 1934. He first attended school at the Little Red Schoolhouse in Temple. After graduating from high school in Farmington, he then completed his degree at the Gorham Teachers College, now home to USM. Arthur taught school for 25 years in a variety of disciplines, such as drafting and math, and was a champion of industrial arts.

Arthur always worked to provide for his wife and family. After his retirement from teaching, Arthur and his beloved wife Donna joined forces to follow their dream and started W.A. Mitchell Furniture Makers in a workshop next to their home in Temple. They worked together every day to produce Arthur’s originally designed fine furniture and run their company with integrity and passion. Arthur’s designs continue to be lovingly crafted and sold by skilled craftsman at W.A. Mitchell Chairmakers now located in Farmington. Arthur loved his time with all of “the guys’ in the workshop and continued to be a resource for them all whenever they needed him.

Arthur is survived by his loving wife, Donna W. Mitchell; daughters, Lauren Spargo and partner Larry Pulk of Temple, Debra Parks and husband Neal of Stark, N.H., son, Will Mitchell and wife Lynn of Ohio, youngest daughter, Margaret Staggs and husband Steven of Winthrop; grandchildren, Courtney Bisson and husband Nelson, Rick Thurlow and wife Maria, Brock Mitchell and wife Courtney, Lisa Hargus and husband Simon, Michael Mitchell and wife Mary, Sarina Grant, Katelyn Pond, and Jenna Pond; 13 great-grandchildren; and three great, great-grandchildren. His love and legacy will live on through all his family.

Arthur was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Wilena Mitchell; three siblings, Albert Mitchell, Ronald Mitchell and Mavis Cleary; along with several other beloved family members.

Arthur’s family would like to thank all of the many health care workers that provided knowledgeable and compassionate care to him throughout his many health challenges and surgeries throughout his life. There are too many to list but special love and thanks to Nurse Emma B. who stood by his side along with Margaret through his passing.

A time for remembrance and visitation will be held at 81 Mitchell Brook Road in Temple, outside Arthur’s workshop, on Thursday, May 13, between 1 and 3 p.m., with a burial at the Mitchell Family Cemetery to follow.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the

Temple Historical Society,

c/o Isabelle Foss,

PO Box 375,

Temple, ME 04984.

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