Lt. Col Robert E. Mitchell United States Air Force Ret.

Robert Edward Mitchell, beloved husband, devoted father and grandfather, and proud military veteran, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on February 20, 2026. Born in Mars, Pennsylvania, on January 28, 1952, Bob lived an incredibly full and accomplished life defined by leadership, loyalty, constant pursuit of laughter, and an unwavering love for his family and friends. 

Bob served proudly in the United States Air Force for 30 years, starting his journey by enlisting right out of high school and then performing duties as an aircraft refueler at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base, Taiwan. It was during this assignment that he met his lifelong companion, Yu-Chih (Chen), which led to 53 years of endearing love and adventure. Receiving his commission in 1979, Bob applied his talents to numerous intelligence billets of increasing responsibility. Having received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, Bob also completed several senior DoD education programs, which created the foundation for selection to several Command assignments. 

After navigating 23 moves across continents and states, he retired to Colorado Springs in 2001 as Lieutenant Colonel. Bob continued to serve his country as a defense contractor with Booz Allen Hamilton until his 2009 self-imposed final assignment involving unrestricted RVing, bowling, woodworking, reading, and enjoying family and friends. In the ensuing years, his steadfast and unwavering support to the Pittsburgh Steelers football team stood as a beacon of strength as various Broncos fans routinely tried to convert his allegiance. 

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, James and Irene Mitchell, sister Betty, and nephew Jeremy. He is survived by his wife, Yu-Chih, daughter Amanda, son-in-law Aaron, grandkids Alexander, Elizabeth, and Aislin, brother James, nephews Jim, David, and Joshua. 

Committal service for Bob is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery with full retired Air Force Honors. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in honor of Bob to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).