Cal Eugene Mitchell

Deacon Cal Eugene Mitchell was born on December 10,1946 in Linden Texas to the late Deacon John D Mitchell Sr. (2013) and the late Rodessa Annette Allen Mitchell (1988). He was the 4th child of this union. In 1948, Cal moved with the Mitchell family from Texas to West Richland Washington living in the Tri City area. Cal began his formal school years by attending Whitaker Elementary School K-2nd grade  and in 1956 the family moved to Portland Oregon.  Cal attended Elliott Elementary the first half of 3rd grade and completed the 2nd half of 3rd and 4th grades at Boise Elementary.  His 5th and 6th grades were at Couch Elementary and completed the 7th and 8th grades at Boise Elementary. Cal attended and graduated from Jefferson High from 1962-1966 where he ran track and was part of the football teams all 4 years.  In 1963, His Sophomore year at Jefferson High, he met the love of his life Marva Dianne McFarland, they were inseparable.

In 1965 Cal was employed by Esco Steel Foundry working during the summer to earn income and returned to school in the fall. In 1966 after graduating from Jefferson High School he was hired the very next day as a permanent employee where he worked 40 years until his retirement in 2006. There he left a legacy of being a faithful employee and having work relationships that became lifetime friendships.

On August 31, 1966 Cal and Marva were married and to this union 3 daughters Chanise L. Gilliam,  Ericka R. Marin, and Cicely A. Snow.  Their family grew even larger after opening their hearts to raise 2 nieces as their daughters, Shakaya M. McFarland, and Latitia R. McFarland. Cal was outnumbered by the girls and  he had room in his heart to adopt his sons, Adam Mitchell, Joshua Mitchell and Micah Mitchell. Cal was a devoted husband and father, he loved and provided for his family as he supported and encouraged them to excel in their lives. Cal continuously made it known how proud he was of his children.

At the age of 13 Cal received the Lord Jesus as his personal savior and was baptised at Vancouver 1st Baptist Church under the leadership of The Late Rev. Dr. O.B. Williams. He nurtured his christian foundation in Sunday School and Baptist Training Union while singing in the youth choir and serving on the youth usher board. In the early 1970’s Cal and Marva began their faithful 40 year membership at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. A.A. Newton (1974). Down through the years he faithfully served and loved pastors at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church  (Rev. A. Benard Devers 1975 to 1984, Rev. Johnny Pack, IV 1984-1987, Rev. Walter Brown 1990-1992 ,Rev. Robert C. Jointer 1992-200l and Rev. Alvin Ellerby 2009-2011) with his late wife and his daughters. From 2013 until his final days, Deacon Cal continued his spiritual journey with Bethesda Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Robert C. Jointer. He was ordained as Deacon in 2016 and proudly  served and supported his Pastor and Church family until his final days.

Deacon Cal served from his heart. You could always count on him. He was a man of his word. If he was not serving in ministry, you could often find him watching “the game” or checking on and encouraging family and friends through FaceTime. Cal loved to travel and spend time with his family who live in Texas and Arizona. Cal made known his love for his family and friends and he was surrounded by so much love and support in these last two years after the passing of his wife, Marva. Cal surely received his “flowers” while he lived.

Cal is preceded in death by his wife Marva Dianne McFarland Mitchell (2019) of 52 years and 11 months and his grandson Isiah S. Weekly (1994).  Also preceded in death by his parents and 5 brothers, Baby Boy Mitchell (1942), Earl Ray Mitchell (1965), Curtis LaVon Mitchell (1991), Marvin Glenn Mitchell (2005), and Jimmie Audwin Mitchell (2020).

Cal leaves to celebrate his life and legacy 5 daughters, Chanise L Gilliam(Dante) of Tucson AZ, Ericka R Marin(Juan) of Gresham OR, Cicely A. Snow(Travis) of Katy TX, Shakaya M McFarland of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Latitia R. McFarland of Gresham OR,  3 sons Adam Mitchell (Aliana), Joshua Mitchell, Micah Mitchell all of Gresham OR, 14 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren. 3 sisters Jewell Faye Norman of Portland OR, Pamela W. Mitchell of Jacksonville FL , and Barbara A. Mitchell of Camas WA.  4 brothers Raymond Mitchell Sr. (Sheila), John D. Mitchell, Jr(Jane) of Portland OR, Arthur Mitchell (Natalie) of Southlake TX, and Gregory Mitchell of Oakland CA.  Rosa Gachet stepmother and brother Jefferson Gachet (Dennis Fay) of Portland OR. 1 uncle James Melvin Mitchell of Houston TX, 3 aunts Honorine Mitchell, Nancy Mitchell and Macie Allen all of Portland OR. Devoted friends Pastor Robert C. Jointer, Deacons Fred Givens and Matthew Barnett, godsons, goddaughters, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

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