Merlin Harley Mitchell

Merlin Harley Mitchell, aka "Mitch" or "Magic", 81, passed away on December 10, 2018, at Rideout Memorial Hospital. He was born on January 8, 1937, in Tray, Nebraska. He joined the US Navy in 1954, then enlisted in the US Army in 1958. He served one year in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star. He retired as CWO2 in 1974. He has been a resident of Yuba City for over 26 years. Merlin is a life-time member of Pleasant Dale American Legion Post #354. For over 20 years he has been a member of Corinthian-Hammonton Masonic Lodge #9, Ben Ali Shrine of Central Sacramento, a Ben Ali clown and member of Ben Ali Bedovins. His passion was being "Magic" the clown for Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento. Merlin is survived by his wife of 13 years, Vivian Mitchell. He is also survived by his four children, Lori Danby, Sally Cox, Joni Mitchell, and Jeff Mitchell; and his brother, Larry Mitchell. He has 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren along with Vivian's 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Merlin is preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Merle Mitchell of Nebraska; and his first wife, Myrna Mitchell. In lieu of flowers, "Magic" would appreciate donations being made to the Shriners Hospital at donate.lovetotherescue.org Memorial services will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2018, at 11:00 am, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on Franklin Road, Yuba City. Interment will be at Golden Gate Cemetery in San Bruno, California. Arrangements were provided by Ullrey Memorial Chapel.