Michael L. Mitchell, Commander, U.S. Navy-Retired, 72, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at his home in Snowflake, surrounded by family and close friends, following a long battle with cancer. No services are planned at his request; however, a family gathering is planned at a later date. Mr. Mitchell was born on May 21, 1942, in Muskogee, Okla., to Wallace and Hazel Mitchell. He joined the U.S. Navy on June 23, 1960, at the age of 17. He served as a hospital corpsman, as executive officer of the Naval Hospital in Subic Bay RPI, Philippines, as medical administrative officer at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Md., and in many other capacities throughout his military career, retiring as commander in 1990. He met Soledad V. “Cora” Reyes in the Philippines and they were married in 1991 in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia. Mike was a 33rd Degree Mason in Hawaii, a member and former captain of the Hashknife Sheriff’s Posse, and a charter member and Arizona Chapter director of the Goldwing Road Riders Association. He was a beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather. Survivors include his stepson, one brother, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cora, in 2013; his parents, Wallace and Hazel Mitchell; his brother, Dale; and his nephew, Jim. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low was in charge of the arrangements.