FT. PIERRE, SD –

Pat Mitchell, 63, of Fort Pierre, SD, died at his home on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

Prayer service and time of sharing will be held Tuesday, at 6:00 p.m. October 3, 2023 at the Community Bible Church, Pierre. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 4th at 10:00 a.m. at the Community Bible Church followed with burial at Scotty Philip Cemetery, Fort Pierre, SD.

Patrick Allen Mitchell was born on January 29, 1960 to Gay and William Mitchell in Oxnard, CA. In 2003, in a traditional Native American Ceremony, Pat was bestowed with a Native American name “Ku Ta he ya o mani” which means “Rides With the Wind” and was presented with his Eagle feather.

Pat attended K-12 school in Pierre where he was active in basketball, football and track.

His early years were full of adventure – Hanging out with friends, taking care of his pets, including his pet monkey, working at the gas station, and participating in sports. In 1978 during his senior year Pat was crowned Homecoming King. He then went on to attend Northern State College and played football.

In 1982, Pat married Kelly Irion and they had 2 children – Matthew and Mark.

From a young age, Pat worked at Don’s Sinclair along side his Uncle Don. His career in the industry continued and in 1983 he became the sole owner of Don’s Sinclair.

Throughout the years, Pat was a well respected and a loved business owner in Pierre, helping countless young people by employing them and helping shape their lives in a positive manner.

Pat was always the first to lend a helping hand, giving his time and assistance in numerous activities and events, sponsoring sports teams, charitable causes, Pierre and Ft. Pierre youth events, and participating in parades, school and city activities. Pat never sought the limelight and gave unconditionally without seeking recognition.

Pat was a member of the SD Petroleum and Propane Marketers Association serving as both the Treasurer for many years and then as President. His impact and loyalty to the industry was obvious to those who worked with him. In 2016, Don’s Sinclair was recognized for 60 years of business from Sinclair Oil Corporation – second oldest Sinclair station in the United States.

In 1996, at the top of Heavenly Mountain in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Pat and Shavonne were blessed in marriage and began their life journey together. To that union, Pat was lucky to gain 2 more children – Brittani and Austin – whom he loved as if they were his own. Together Pat and Shavonne raised 4 beautiful children and were blessed with 8 amazing grandchildren. Pat’s family, children and grandchildren were the most important people in his life and always came first. He gave selflessly to all those who he knew and loved.

Pat often traveled many miles to attend sports and school activities for family and friends. Weekends were spent traveling to wrestling tournaments, football games, rodeos, and numerous events.

For many years, Pat played and sponsored the Don’s Sinclair softball team with all his “guys” building lifetime friendships and creating lasting memories.

Pat loved golfing with friends on their annual trips to Deadwood and Phoenix, which were always a highlight for him. He was fortunate enough to hit a hole in one! One year he even won the coveted “plaid jacket”.

Pat hosted the Don’s Open Golf Tournament from 1989-2011 for his many customers, friends and family who cherished the event. In 2023, his son Matthew once again started the tradition of the Don’s Open, raising money for ALS, a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. This was a very proud occasion for Pat.

Pat truly loved to ride his Harley and often said it was the only time he was able to completely clear his mind. When riding his Harley with his wife Shavonne, he experienced true joy. Through the years, they logged over 100,000 miles together.

The Sturgis motorcycle rally was an annual event along with yearly motorcycle trips which created a lifetime of memories. Pat was the Road Captain of the “Dirty Nozzles” leading his friends as they traveled each summer to a new destination from coast to coast, north to south.

Pat loved to travel taking many trips with family and friends. He enjoyed shopping but often said he was “a buyer, not a shopper”. Pat had a great sense of humor and kept everyone entertained with his stories, jokes and fun antics.

Pat’s generosity continues to have a major impact on the Pierre and Ft. Pierre communities and his legacy will live on through the many lives he has touched. ✓✓

Pat is survived by his wife Shavonne Mitchell, his sons Matthew (Mandy) Mitchell and Mark Mitchell, his daughter Brittani (Shawn) Hussey, 8 grandchildren: Tayson, Madyson, Braxtyn, Brecklyn, Sid Grace, Jaxon, Joey, and Hadley, his mother Gay Rhoades, his sister Michele (fiancé Chris Sherman) Rhoades, sister-in-law Barb Mitchell, nieces Samantha (Dan) Severin and Abbie (Chad) Kasten as well as numerous other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law Duane and Sharon Hannum, brothers and sisters-in-law: Scott (Toni) Deal, Tanya (Craig) Heller, Sean (Kellie) Deal, Tember (Troy) Beckett, Sanford (Ronda) Deal, Charlo Deal, Colby (Pam) Hannum, and Tiffany (Kent) Larson.

Pat was preceded in death by his father William Mitchell, his dad Richard “Dick” Rhoades, his twin brother Michael Mitchell, his son Austin Scott and his nephew Parker Mitchell.

Memorial donations can be given to the ALS MN/ND/SD Chapter: 1919 University Ave W, Suite 175, St. Paul, MN 55104.

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