Travis Mitchell Ii

Travis Don Mitchell II, 60, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 29, 2016, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. Travis was born at Travis Air Force Base, California, to Constance Mae (Connie) and Travis Don Mitchell. His family moved frequently with the military and Travis was able to visit and explore a number of places around the country. He attended many different schools growing up, graduating from Preston High School, where his family moved after his father’s retirement. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Japan, Kobe mission. Travis loved the Japanese culture and people. Later in his career, he was able to visit Japan on a Fullbright Scholarship and observe and learn from the schools there. Travis met the love of his life at the Preston, Idaho Rodeo shortly before he left on his mission. Julie Hall was 15 at the time, but he knew she was something special. After returning home from his mission, they began dating and he proposed to her on the day of her high school graduation. They were married in the Ogden Temple on August 25, 1978, and had four wonderful children together. Travis was a secondary education administrator and teacher. He saw the potential in every student and wanted to help them recognize their potential. In 2003, he was chosen as the Idaho Principal of the Year. He also served as scout master for many years and loved the scouting program and young men he served. His favorite role was that of husband, father, and grandfather. He adored his wife, Julie. She was the sunshine of his life. His son and three daughters were his pride and joy. He knew his death would be glorious because of the reunion he would have with his son, Shane, who preceded him in death. He made an effort to do memorable things with his grandchildren like building rockets, making wood projects and snuggling on the couch with each of them. Travis was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his faith brought him much strength, courage and comfort. He served faithfully in various callings, touching the lives of many as he served. Travis is survived by his wife, Julie of Idaho Falls; daughters, Amy (Trevor) Leishman of Rexburg, ID; Kelli (Jared) Manwaring of Liverpool, NY; Joanna (Eric) Bennett of Idaho Falls; daughter-in-law, Holly (Erwin) Osborn of Vienna, VA; mother, Constance Mae Archer Malmgren of Yuma, AZ; siblings, Deborah (Allan) Jensen of Logan, UT; Jeffrey F. (Elizabeth) Mitchell of Leesburg, VA; Michael C. Mitchell of Silver Spring, MD; 5 step siblings; and 13 grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart. He was preceded in death by his father, Travis Don Mitchell; his son, Travis Shane Mitchell; and step father, Bob Malmgren. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2017, at the Idaho Falls LDS Crestwood Ward, 1925 East 49th South. The family will visit with friends from 6:30-8 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and from 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery. Because of Travis’s love for education and the students he taught, the family will be presenting a scholarship in Travis’s memory to a student this spring. Contributions may be made to the Travis Mitchell Memorial Scholarship through Wood Funeral Home, P.O. Box 51434, Idaho Falls, ID 83405-1434.

Funeral Services will be held