Lewis Alan “Lew” Mitchell, 73, of Vandalia, died on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, surrounded by his family.
A Prayer Service led by Father Seth Brown of Mother of Dolors Catholic Church was held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1, at Miller Funeral Home in Vandalia. Burial was held at Point Pleasant Cemetery in Long Creek on Friday, Jan. 2. Miller Funeral Home in Vandalia assisted with arrangements. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the caregivers and staff at St. Louis Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Alton Memorial Hospital and Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital of Vandalia for their compassionate care and support.
Mr. Mitchell was born on Oct. 4, 1952, in Decatur, the son of Lewis J. Mitchell and Joyce J. Mitchell. He grew up in Mt. Zion, living across from the Long Creek Fire Department, where his father proudly served as fire chief for many years. He married Barbara Ann (Brickey) Mitchell on Nov. 15, 1975, in St. Louis, MO, sharing 46 years of marriage before her passing.
He was a proud graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in government and administration of justice, and later completed his master’s degree at Sangamon State University in Springfield.
Mr. Mitchell dedicated 30 years of service to the Illinois Department of Corrections, beginning his career at Vandalia Correctional Center and spending the majority of his career at Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro, before retiring as a lieutenant. A Christian man and devoted community member, he enjoyed serving others in retirement by mowing lawns for the community and for Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry for over 20 years.
Earlier in life, he was active in men’s slow-pitch softball and served as league commissioner for 20 years. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Rams (now the New Orleans Saints), Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Fever. He valued education and lifelong learning, and he proudly instilled in his children a strong appreciation for sports, teamwork and discipline. He enjoyed working on lawn mowers, cars and radios, weighlifting and spending time outdoors. A true homebody, he cherished his daily routine, time spent with family enjoying television shows together, the companionship of his beloved cats and never missed a day of exercise. He especially treasured time with his granddaughters.
Mr. Mitchell is survived by his children, Kara E. Gillan of Blue Springs, MO, and Gregory L. (Nikki Mae) Mitchell of Decatur; granddaughters, Ellie Joyce Mitchell and Ella Mae Mitchell of Decatur; and sister, Sharon (Jim) Garbett of Moline.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis J. and Joyce J. Mitchell; and his beloved wife, Barbara A. Mitchell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mother of Dolors Catholic Church, Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry and The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF).
Condolences may be left at www.millerfh.net.
