Emerson Mitchell

Emerson Lawrence Mitchell was a Master Problem Solver. He had that special knack of seeing the big picture and knowing just what to do. Throughout his life, he was there for his children. No matter how big or small the problem, he would take it seriously and come up with a solution. How fortunate they were to have such a father.

The 1910’s were called the Ballroom Decade. Many of the trendier restaurants were equipped with dance floors. Entertainers of the period were performing such musical styles as ragtime, blues and jazz. Perhaps this was a symbol of the new life that had just begun and the impact of music on that life. On October 18, 1916, Lester and Rhea (Roberts) welcomed the birth of their first child, Emerson Lawrence. Emerson was later joined by sister, Helen, and brothers: Robert and Jack. Lester was a contractor and Rhea was a homemaker and artist. The nation was in the midst of World War I in 1916 and times were rough. Emerson was often responsible for the care and well being of his younger siblings.

When young Emerson was around 5 or 6 the family moved to Kalamazoo. One day he and a group of boys decided to swim across Woods Lake and then back. One of the boys did not have the strength to finish the swim, but luckily for him, Emerson did. He was a good swimmer and was able to help the lad to the shore, saving his life. Emerson graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School where he excelled in athletics. He made his mark in football, swimming, diving, and ice-skating. He also enjoyed his drafting and architecture classes. Perhaps, one of the most telling events of this time was when his father, Lester taught Emerson to play the violin. This would become the cornerstone for the rest of his life.

Following high school, to support himself, he took a janitorial job. Since he was extremely musically talented, Emerson played for pleasure in several jazz bands. It may have been at one of these “gigs” that Emerson met his first wife, Emma Brown. She was seven years younger than he was and the two were married around 1941. After the wedding, Emerson enlisted in the US Army for a two-year stint. This was during World War II and he was stationed in the Philippines and in England. He was able to spend much of his time playing in the army band, but when duty called, traded his instrument for a gun.

After serving his two years, he returned to Emma and for three or four years, worked on a mink farm in South Haven. In 1946, they started their family and by 1950, Emerson was selling life insurance. He was a salesman for many years, traveling areas, which included Battle Creek, Muskegon and the counties surrounding Kalamazoo. He was a hard worker and always on the road. Emerson made several friends on the way and earned the nickname “Mitch”.

Life does not always work out as planned and Mitch and Emma were divorced, but his children never lost their special place in their father’s heart. He tried to continue his legacy by having them try different instruments, but none were as successful as their father. The children remember Christmas as being one of the best times. Dad would tell them to write down everything they wanted, reminding them that they would only get two or three things on the list. However, like a true Santa Claus, on Christmas morning, the kids would see Dad pull up in his red car, gifts spilling out from the windows and trunk. He had bought everything on everyone’s list, and he did this every year! Mitch was not always able to spend a great deal of time with his children, but always made the most of the time he had.

Mitch also went into a successful salvage business with a friend, however, the main thrust of his life was music. As the leader of a jazz band, he played at clubs around Southwest Michigan. Jazz was his passion – everything else was just work. He could play any instrument and often composed his own songs – sometimes just by humming the tune in his head and writing it all down later. He could transcribe music for one instrument to another. He was a true musician and composer.

In 1972, Mitch married a lovely lady named Pearl Banks. She was the perfect compliment to this hard workingman. Since their children were grown and on their own, Mitch and Pearl started a new life together and for 25 years, the two resided in Three Rivers. They then settled in Kalamazoo, where, for years, Mitch had managed his own rental properties. He was always able to support his family so they could have the very best. He was a strong man with good values. Even when Mitch was in his 80’s and it was difficult for him to go day by day, one of his dreams was to teach music classes to students within his home.

Emerson Lawrence Mitchell died peacefully on his 87th birthday, October 18, 2003 at his daughter’s home. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Conner. He is survived by his wife, Pearl (Banks) Mitchell; four children: Lamont Mitchell of Kalamazoo, Stanley Mitchell of Kalamazoo, Reha Burrell of Kalamazoo, and Shane (Dorothy) Mitchell of Grand Rapids; two brothers: Jack (Jackie) Mitchell of Paw Paw, and Robert Mitchell of Galesburg; nine grandchildren: Monica, Chander, Taunya, Samantha, Leon, Reella and Iman; seven great grandchildren: Sher-ree, Sharda, Lee-Ann, Kenny, Montreal, Ameri, Tiffiny, Re Niya, and Renaysha; seven step-children: Daisy Layton, Beverly Scott, Carol (Errol) Scott, Marilyn Hooper, Loreanne (Ronald) Farley, Anitia Boyd, and Banita (Raymond) Drain; sixteen step-grandchildren; many step-great grandchildren; the mother of his children, Emma Mitchell of Grand Rapids; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may spend time with the family on Thursday, October 23, 2003 - from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Betzler Funeral Home, Kalamazoo – 375-2900, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place in Hill Cemetery, Lawrence. To read Emerson’s complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the West Michigan Cancer Center, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.