John Mitchell

Pastor John Ray Mitchell, 82, of Fairfield, MT went to his long home on Tuesday, September 30, 2014.A visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2014 at Schnider Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2014 at Highland Cemetery, followed by a memorial service and luncheon at New Covenant Baptist Church. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.John was born on June 17, 1932 in Bloomington, Indiana to Hassell and Lillie (Rogers) Mitchell. He graduated from Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, IN, in 1951. John married Verda Ledford on October 2, 1953. John felt the Lords call into the ministry at an early age, and he began preaching the Gospel of Gods Free and Sovereign Grace regularly at the age of 17. In October 1953, he became the pastor of Brownsburg Baptist Church in Brownsburg, IN. He spent many years as the owner and manager of a drywall business in Indiana and was an accomplished welder. He next served as pastor for New Testament Baptist Church in Brownsburg, IN until 1970. At this time, he felt led of the Lord to move his family to Great Falls, MT, where he established New Covenant Baptist Church, a congregation which he pastored for over 40 years. John loved traveling, and he greatly appreciated the opportunities he had to preach at Bible conferences across the country.He enjoyed hunting, fishing and basketball. John especially relished his time spent visiting and laughing with his family and friends. He always had an encouraging word, a scripture or a song to share, and he continued to be a blessing to all who knew him even to his last days.John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Verda; seven children, Stephen (Kitty) Mitchell of Ladysmith, WI, John Mark Mitchell of Pendleton, IN, Susanna (Larry) Dammen of Fairfield, MT, Michael (Bonnie) Mitchell of Great Falls, MT, Sarah (Doug) Messinger of Danville, IN, David (Jessica) Mitchell of Roachdale, IN, and Grace (Justin) Walker of Danville, IN; 26 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents; and eight of his ten siblings.Oh God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come. Be Thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.