CHESTER C. MITCHELL, a longtime Skagit County Pastor went home to be with his Lord and family early Saturday morning, April 9, 2005. He was 80 years of age.
Chester was born on May 11, 1924 in Haywood County, North Carolina, the son of Samuel and Hattie Barnes Mitchell. He was raised and attended school near Allen’s Creek, NC until joining the U.S. Army at the age of 16 and was involved in the assault on Normandy Beach. He also served in the U. S. Navy. After the service he returned to North Carolina, where he was united in marriage to Marie King in Waynesville on March 31, 1945 and they made their home in Canton, NC.
In 1949 Chester was saved and called into the Ministry of the Gospel. He was ordained in 1950 and was Pastor to churches in the Waynesville and Canton areas in North Carolina. They came to Skagit County in 1961 where Chester was called to Pastor at the Clear Lake Baptist Church, where he served for 3 years until he was called to the Hamilton Baptist Church. In 1971 Chester founded the Northwest Missionary Baptist Church in Hamilton where he was Pastor and friend to that congregation for 34 years until his death.
Chester loved people and cherished his family, but the Lord and the Church came above all.
He was an avid fly fisherman and also enjoyed camping and hunting. He was a life member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion and also a member of the N.R.A. and International Order of Foresters.
Chester is survived by his loving children and their spouses; Phil & Liz Mitchell of Birdsview, Mike & Sheila Mitchell of Punkin Center, Darryl Mitchell and his fianc