R. Leonard 'Peanut' Mitchell, 78

CAMBRIDGE - R. Leonard "Peanut" Mitchell, 78, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 20, 2008.

He was born at Cornersville on June 24, 1929 and was a son of the late Earl and Hilda Andrews Mitchell.

He attended schools in Dorchester County and graduated from Cambridge High School. Mr. Mitchell served in the U.S. Army.

On May 29, 1953 he was married to the former Vivian McGlaughlin. He had worked at Dorset Laundry, United Insurance Co., Continental Can and later for Sears Roebuck & Co. as a sales clerk.

Mr. Mitchell was a former member of Choptank Memorial Post 7460 VFW, Dorchester Post 91 American Legion, Cambridge Lodge No. 1272 Elks and Cambridge Lodge No. 1211 Loyal Order of Moose.

Mr. Mitchell enjoyed boating and fishing, watching western movies on TV, spending time with his grandchildren and feeding birds and squirrels. He had been in failing health for the past three years.

Survivors include his two daughters, Jean E. Fischer and her husband, Flynn Fischer of Reston, Va. and Gale M. Collins and her husband, Tom Collins of Secretary, and two sons, Alan L. Mitchell and his wife, Lynn Mitchell of East New Market and Alex L. Mitchell of Charlevoix, Mich.; two grandchildren, Dennis J. Mitchell and Tiffany Collins. He is also survived by a brother, Raymond Mitchell of East New Market and three nieces, Charlene McWilliams, Bonnie Tuttle and Brenda Nelson.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, June Travers and Marie (Tootie) Sharp.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge with the Rev. Douglas S. Albert officiating. Burial will follow at the Maryland Veterans' Cemetery. The family will receive friends during the hour preceding the service. Pallbearers will be Alan Mitchell, Alex Mitchell, Tom Collins, Flynn Fischer, Raymond Mitchell and Herbert Dodson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Doris Weber, 5163 Maple Dam Road, Cambridge, MD 21613 or to the Coastal Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.