St. George, Utah — Andrew Jackson Mitchell, a true scholar and gentleman, returned peacefully to his Heavenly Father early Sunday morning, May 30, 2010, at the age of 91. He was born July 7, 1918, to Andrew J. and Mary A. (Snyder) Mitchell in Albuquerque, N.M.

Andrew grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, where his parents were community leaders. He spent his summers working at the Indian Trading Post in Cameron, Ariz., and for Grand Canyon Airlines. A better tour guide of Indian country could not be found. He had a life-long interest in the Navajo and Hopi cultures and made numerous trips to Indian country with his family and friends.

After graduating from High School in Flagstaff, he attended Arizona State University where he met his life companion and sweetheart “Mimi,” Mabel McKnight of Beaver Dam, Ariz. They were married on May 13, 1939. The couple recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary at their Sterling Court residence. Both Andrew and Mabel were educators who mentored students in Bunkerville and Boulder City, Nev. Many former students remember Andrew and Mabel warmly. Andrew was a friend and protector of the young and of animals. His gentle humor delighted his own children and grandchildren and all who came near. On his Arabian steed Zarha, he led the parade of school children and teachers at the dedication of the elementary school in Boulder City that bears his name.

Upon retirement, the Mitchells moved to the mountain community of Midway Utah where they lived for 20 years before moving to their home at Beaver Dam. Wherever they lived they served their community and church and formed strong bonds of friendship. In 1986, Andrew and Mabel served in the Oregon Portland Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

No account of Andrew’s life would be complete without mentioning his love of dancing. He grew up in the big-band era, and he and Mimi were the first to take the spotlight on any dance floor. Four days before his passing, he tossed aside his cane for the quickstep when the music began to play. His family affectionately dubbed him “magic feet.”

Andrew was truly one of the greatest generation. Grandson of a Civil War veteran, he was a Marine Corps officer who served his country proudly in WWII and was involved in some of the fiercest campaigns of the Pacific theater. To the end, he was a tough Marine, but primarily a man who thought each day was the best day of his life because he had Mimi and his family and friends.

Surviving family include his wife Mabel; daughters: Judith (Marvin) Johnson of Ivins, UT, Mary A. Mitchell of Salt Lake City, UT, Michele (Franklin) Kolsky of Ivins, UT, Andrea Jill (Marlo) Krogue of Taylorsville, UT; grandchildren: Kristin (Wesley) Fredrickson of Salt Lake City, Nelson Krogue currently serving an LDS mission in Brazil, Robert Highfill of Oklahoma; great grandson Andrew Abbott of Las Vegas; and great-great-granddaughters: Autumn and Kamy Abbott of Las Vegas. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Jim; baby sister Helen; and grandson Stephen Todd Boiles.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 5, at 11 a.m. (NV time) at the Littlefield LDS Ward Chapel (off I-15 on Hwy 91), Littlefield, Ariz. A visitation will be held in St. George on Friday, June 4, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mall Drive LDS Branch, 259 Mall Drive. A second visitation will be held in Littlefield on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the chapel, prior to services. Interment will be held at the Mesquite City Cemetery, Mesquite, Nev. Because Andrew advocated learning for everyone throughout his life, he would be honored by a contribution in his name to the Perpetual Education Fund.