Charles Thomas Mitchell "Tom"

Charles Thomas Mitchell (Tom), 83, of Louisville, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024, surrounded by family. Born on October 16, 1940, in Finchville, KY. He graduated from Simpsonville High School in 1958. After graduating, Tom served with the Army and was was stationed in Germany where he met his beloved wife of 61 years, Ilse. Tom entered the Army in December 1960 at Ft. Knox, Kentucky where he reported for basic training. After basic training, he trained to be a Fire Direction Coordinator and was assigned to duty in Germany where he served with the 3rd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment until February 1964. After Germany, he was assigned to Ft. Riley, Kansas from which he served two tours in Vietnam with The Big Red One (1st Infantry Division). While in Vietnam he earned the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and the Army Commendation Medal. He received an Honorable discharge from the Army in February 1967. After returning to the US, he worked for Shell Oil Company and later owned several very successful Shell service stations in Louisville for over 25 years. In his free time, he dedicated his energy to their small farm where he raised beef cattle and enjoyed gardening. Tom was passionate about golf and played the sport for decades. One of his favorite pastimes was cheering on the University of Kentucky Wildcats and followed the basketball and football teams as one of their most avid fans. Tom is survived by his wife, Ilse, and their two children, Karen and Pamela, along with his granddaughter, Elisabeth. A memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Louisville VA Medical Center in gratitude for the outstanding care he received there.