Daniel Lynn Mitchell

The Reverend Dr. Daniel Lynn Mitchell, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, pastor, and friend, entered his eternal home after a life marked by faith, wisdom, and unwavering compassion. Born on August 20, 1947, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Billy and Juanita "Jeanne" Wheat Mitchell, Dan grew up in Campbellsville in a home filled with love, hospitality, and Christian values. Those early teachings shaped the steady, thoughtful, and grace-filled man he became.

Dan professed his faith at a young age and answered a lifelong call to ministry with the Presbyterian Church, USA. He studied at Columbia Theological Seminary (1970-1972), earned his Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1974, and later completed his Doctor of Ministry degree in 1999. His pursuit of education reflected his belief that faith deepens through study, reflection, and service.

For more than forty years, Dan faithfully served congregations across Kentucky, Ohio, Nebraska, and Florida. His pastoral leadership was defined by humility, steady guidance, and compassionate presence. He touched countless lives through comforting visits, thoughtful preaching, and his ability to meet people exactly where they were. Dan's ministry extended far beyond Sunday mornings-he lived his faith quietly, sincerely, and wholeheartedly.

His service reached the broader community as well. Dan gave generously of his time and heart to Boards of Education, Chambers of Commerce, local colleges, arts councils, mental health boards, civic organizations, and the American Red Cross. He believed deeply that ministry happened not only inside the church but in every corner of the community.

Dan is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Bernadette (Skaggs) Mitchell, of Thomasville, Georgia. Their marriage was a partnership built on devotion, shared purpose, and the joy of a life lived together with intention and love.

He is survived by his daughters - Lynn Mitchell of Florida, Anita Lee Mitchell of Idaho, and step-daughter Tiffany Martin of Ohio- each of whom brought him pride and happiness in their own meaningful ways. He was preceded in death by his step-daughter Emily Martin, whom he remembered with deep love. Dan cherished his role as a father and found great joy in watching his daughters grow, persevere, and build families of their own.

He delighted in his grandchildren -Raven Evans, Rowen Evans, Hampton Lind and Nicholas Sarracino - and his great-grandchildren, Atlas, Titus, and Niko Dan. To them, he was a source of stories, wisdom, and gentle encouragement.

Dan is further survived by his sisters--Jennifer Mitchell, of South Carolina, Cynthia Mitchell and her husband, Mark Pasquariello, of Florida, and Laura T. Wilds and her husband, Lloyd Wilds, of Kentucky. He is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Jeanne Mitchell, and his first wife, Darlene (Read) Perkins.

A man of many interests, Dan enjoyed coin collecting, researching family genealogy, and collecting antiques. He was known for his impeccable sense of style, a skill he first learned while working at his family's clothing store, Mitchell's Men's Wear, in Campbellsville, Kentucky. He also had a fondness for chicken tetrazzini and Diet Coke - simple pleasures that always brought a smile.

Dan leaves behind a legacy of faith, humility, and kindness. His ministry strengthened communities, supported families, and offered comfort and hope to all who knew him. His gentle spirit, thoughtful wisdom, and unwavering commitment to serving others will continue to guide and inspire those whose lives he touched.

A private family burial of his cremains will take place at Bethel Cemetery in Campbellsville, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts may be given to the Presbyterian Church Giving Catalog found at www.pcusa.org/giving/giving-catalog or to your local food bank.