Edwin (Ed) Thomas Mitchell, age 93, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family in Cottonwood, Arizona, on July 19, 2026, and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Born on December 1, 1932, in New York City, Ed was the son of Kermit Louis Mitchell, a salesman, and Agnes (Rutledge) Mitchell, a homemaker. He spent his early school years in New York City, New York before moving with his family to Sacramento, California, and later to Tempe, Arizona, where he graduated from the “old” Tempe High School. 

During his formative years, Ed developed a strong sense of leadership, discipline, and community. He was active in school life, serving as Senior Class President, participating in Arizona Boys State, and playing both football and baseball.

In 1952, Ed proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War as a Machinist’s Mate First Class (MM1) aboard the USS Kenneth M. Willett. He often credited his Navy service with shaping the discipline, responsibility, and work ethic that guided him throughout his life. After his discharge, Ed took advantage of the GI Bill to pursue higher education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona and his master’s degree in Industrial Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. He went on to teach in the community college system, including Maricopa Technical College and Glendale Community College. He was a member of Epsilon Pi Tau, an honor society in the technology fields. 

Ed was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons. He was recently honored for 65 years as a Master Mason, an achievement he held with great pride.

During his teaching career, he met and married the love of his life, Susan Rider. Their marriage was a true partnership built on mutual respect, shared curiosity, laughter, and unwavering devotion. 

Ed was a lifelong learner whose curiosity was expressed through his love of reading and conversation. He enjoyed history, politics, and current events, and he valued discussing ideas and sharing perspectives with those around him. He was a voracious reader and was rarely without a book nearby, often reading several at a time. He found joy in the outdoors through camping, fishing, and boating, and treasured time spent with his family. For all his intelligence and exacting standards, those who knew him best also knew his gentleness. Beneath the disciplined exterior was a deeply caring and compassionate man.

Throughout his life, Ed had a remarkable ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships. He cherished lifelong friendships formed during his years at Tempe High School, his service in the United States Navy, and his decades as an educator. Those friendships remained among his greatest treasures, and in later years he often reflected on how much he missed the friends he had outlived.

Ed will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, veteran, mentor, and friend. He lived with integrity, humility, and quiet strength. 

Ed was preceded in death by his father, Kermit Louis Mitchell; his mother, Agnes Rutledge Mitchell; and his stepmother, Faye Davidson.He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan Rider Mitchell; his daughters, Kristine Coons (Rance) of Flagstaff and Jacqueline Mitchell of Camp Verde; six grandchildren, Kathryne Coons, Jace Coons, Jeremiah Gokey, Joshua Gokey, Hunter Patrick, and Aubrey Patrick; and two great-grandchildren, Arden Van Patten and Isla Van Patten of Prescott. He is also survived by his first cousin, David Mitchell of Reno, Nevada.

A military honors service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, followed by a service of tribute to the life of Edwin Mitchell at Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 East Mingus Avenue, Cottonwood, Arizona. A reception will follow. His ashes will be distributed at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Northern Arizona Hospice in appreciation of the compassionate care they provided.