Obituary

Paris David Mitchell Sr.

Sergeant Paris David Mitchell Sr. was born the son of James "Pete" Thomas Mitchell and Charlotte Ann Long in Lewes, DE on December 22, 1951. He was raised in Millsboro, DE before going on to live in both Milford and Frankford, DE. Paris was a member of the Millsboro High School class of 1969. He passed away on July 27, 2022 while traveling on vacation. He was 70 years old at the time of his passing.

Paris was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Donna; six sons and their families, Christopher and Wendy , Stewart, Paris II and Keri, Matthew and Hillary, Andrew and Jessica, and Zachary; ten grandchildren, Paris III, Kalib, Chloe, Jase, Liam, Chance, Johnathan, Beatrix, Maxwell, and Jacob. Paris leaves behind three siblings, James, Pete, and Trudy as well as many nieces and nephews. Paris was preceded in death by his brother Shane and parents.

He spent the majority of his life in service to others. He was a 23-year veteran of the Delaware State Police where he served from 1974 to 1997. In addition to this service, he also spent over a decade in the Delaware National Guard. Following his retirement from the DSP he continued to serve others by working for the Indian River School District and later as a Park Ranger for Assateague State Park.

He was an avid sports fan who particularly enjoyed football and golf. Through his father "Pete", he and his brothers passed down a generational love of golf. Every Thanksgiving it is an annual event. Surely he will have a place of honor in heaven beside his father and brother for all future rounds. On Sunday afternoons he could be found cheering on his Green Bay Packers. Sgt. Paris Mitchell turned this love of sports into a coaching career as he spent numerous years coaching with great success as the Head Coach of Lower Sussex Pop Warner, IRHS Football and IRHS Golf.

Paris loved to spend time with family and friends. He enjoyed summer days on the beach, traveling in his RV, and eating out at restaurants. He had a zeal for life that was infectious. He was a master storyteller often regaling those around him with tales of his time in the DSP. He firmly believed that you had to enjoy every opportunity in life from the big things to the small. To this end he would often say "It's not a proper meal unless you finish it off with something chocolate."

Friends and family may gather between 11 am- 1 pm on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Melson Funeral Services Frankford Chapel, 43 Thatcher Street, Frankford, DE 19945. Burial will be held at Redman Cemetery in Selbyville, DE.

Paris was loved by all and will be sorely missed by those whom he knew and touched throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Barnes, Delaware State Police ℅ Camp Barnes, PO Box 430, Dover, DE 19903, or the Friends of Assateague State Park, 7307 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21811.