Hugh "Paul" Mitchell, 97, of Bedford, passed away on December 25, 2023, at I.U. Health Hospital in Bedford. "Paul" as his friends called him, was born September 10, 1926, in Edison, TN, he was the son of Luther M. and Lillie (Cobb-Lawson) Mitchell. He married Joan Fuller, Mathews on February 4, 1982, in Lawrenceville, IL. He was a 1946 graduate of Hancock High School in Sneedville, TN. He was a Veteran of World War II and after his discharge from the U.S. Navy, Paul enrolled in East Tennessee University and in only two years he graduated with a B.S. Degree in Chemistry and Biology. He continued his education studying at Arkansas State University, University of Louisville and the University of Wisconsin. Teaching has been Mitchells life. Following education by teaching in Bristol, TN. In 1955 Paul enrolled at Indiana University and received his Masters Degree, then came to Bedford in 1956 and began teaching sixth grade at Lincoln School. He was named principal of the school in 1967 and remained in that position for the next 14 years. During this time, Mitchell owned and operated his own business, Mitchell Construction Company. He developed Western Hills, he also had developments in Orleans and Paoli and in a period of 35 years built some 200 homes and offices. After five years at North Lawrence Vocational Center and a total of 34 years as a teacher and administrator, Mitchell retired from teaching in 1987. He joined his wife in a new business, Mitchell Floor Covering. He was a longtime member of the Bedford Exchange Club and was president for two years. He served as District Director for Indiana-Kentucky and was voted "Exchangite" of the year, he was also recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding work done. He at one time or another, served in leadership capacities in the United Fund, Red Cross, Boy and Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, Boys Club, Save the Children Foundation, Senior Citizens, Heart Association, North Lawrence School Foundation, JayCees Kiwanis, Bedford Elks, Phi Delta Kappa and is a 32 Degree Mason, and a member of the Baptist Church. Paul was an avid sports fan and enjoyed boating, fishing, and golf. His "bucket list" was completed when asked to be the commencement speaker for his alma mater High School in Sneedville, Tennessee. Surviving are his wife, Joan D. Mitchell of Bedford; daughter, Linda S. (Scott) Turney; son, David L. (Pattie) Mitchell; two step-children, Tracy M. Tincher and Tyrus S. (Deedra) Mathews; five grandchildren Jared S. (Lindsey) Turney, Alyson N. (Randall) Trout, Ryan D. Mitchell, Megan M. (Nick) Leavitt, and Kelly M. Mitchell; four great grandsons, Ryan Trout, Porter Turney, Banks Turney, and Max Leavitt; two great granddaughters, Mia Leavitt and Oakley Turney; five step-grandchildren, Evan W. (Maurica) Folk, Levi M. Stidam, Maebree M. Tincher, Jarrid W. (Elizabeth) Mathews, and Justin (Carrie) Mathews; seven step great grandchildren, Braxten W. Folk, Bristol Folk, Brantley Folk, Aubrey Mathews, Lincoln Mathews, Magnolia Mathews, and Iris Mathews; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving is Pauls beloved pet, Sissy. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Jack Mitchell; two sisters, Wilma J. (Jim) Skeen and E. Pauline (Bill) Sheeks; and his other beloved pet, Gigi.Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 6th, 2023, at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes in Bedford with Pastor Larry Dalton officiating. William (Bill) and Clarence Brown will commemorate. Burial will follow at Green Hill Cemetery with military rites being accorded by the American Legion Gillen Post #33.. Visiting hours will be from 10:00am to the service time on Saturday. In lieu of flowers and gifts, Pauls family asks that contributions be considered to the Shriners Childrens Hospital, St. Judes Childrens Hospital, or the White River Humane Society. A special thank you to the 0Bedford IU Medical Centers doctors and nurses. Remembrances and condolences may be shared online at www.FergusonLee.com. Cemetery Green Hill Cemetery 1202 18th St Bedford IN 47421 US Visitation Saturday, January 6, 2024 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes 818 18th St Bedford IN 47421 US (812) 275-4433 Funeral Services Saturday, January 6, 2024 1:00 PM - Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes 818 18th St Bedford IN 47421 US (812) 275-4433 Funeral Home Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes 818 18th St Bedford IN - 47421 US (812) 275-4433