Captain Dennis D. Mitchell, 58, died unexpectedly on Monday morning, July 31, 2017, in Pasadena, Texas. Dennis knew and trusted that life is unique, beautiful, simple, challenging, sweet, hard sometimes, and that we just need to take a step back and find reasons to love it. Dennis indeed loved life. Every day those who crossed his path experienced his joy, his genuine love for people, and a reason to smile. He believed life was too short not to be happy.
Son of the late Thomas Ray and Beatrice Mitchell, Dennis was the loving and devoted husband of Cherryl for 36 years, wonderful father of Brooke (Garrity), the best “Pops” to Abbey and Hailey (Garrity), caring brother of Donna Shafer, and deeply beloved by his friends and extended family.
A graduate of South Houston High School, Dennis proudly served as a Houston firefighter for 39 years and rose to the rank of Captain at Station 29 “Old Galveston Road.” Dennis was a compassionate and caring fireman. Never hesitating to face danger, risking his life in service to others, Dennis often returned to the scene the day after a fire or medical emergency simply to check on families. Nothing flashy, just a personal touch, a hand of friendship extended with concern for people in need, along with a smile.
It was his smile and quick wit that won the hearts of so many. As a girls’ fast pitch coach, Dennis spent countless hours on the softball field with his daughter Brooke and many other girls who loved the sport. He understood the importance of molding character as well as talent, and Coach Dennis influenced so many children for the better.
In fact, countless lives were made better by his presence. He was an avid bow hunter and a rookie fisherman, and a man who made the world a better place just by being in it. Dennis leaves a legacy of hope and inspiration, a life well-lived and truly loved.
Visitation will be held on Friday evening, August 4th, from 5 PM until 8 PM at Rosewood Funeral Home, 3939 Pasadena Boulevard, Pasadena, TX 77503. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at Sagemont Church, 11300 S. Sam Houston Pkwy East, on Saturday, August 5th, at 10 AM with graveside service immediately following at Forest Park East Cemetery.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Randy LeBlanc, Butch Bragg, Leroy Panzer, Keith Carpenter, Shea Sattler, Joe Menendez, Lisa Havlice, and Vicki Bewley. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Houston Fire Department.
Donations in lieu of flowers should be directed to Project Joy and Hope for Texas, a local nonprofit for which Dennis faithfully volunteered for 17 years - P. O. Box 5111, Pasadena, TX 77508, or online at www.joyandhope.org.