Mitch E. Donaldson, 74, of Benton, Kentucky, and formerly of Mayfield, Kentucky, passed away at his home on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
From a young age, Mitch was always a car enthusiast whose love for classic cars was more than just a hobby; it was a vital part of who he was. He carried this passion for cars with him throughout his entire life. From the countless hours searching and tracking down his next hot rod to build, the many days and nights spent in the “Scale Road Hot Rod Shop” rebuilding the cars, to finally seeing the finished project, he loved every part of the process. His obsession with cars went beyond just finding and building the vehicles; he also loved the thrill of drag racing his cars. If he wasn’t racing down the drag strip, you could see him surrounding himself with other car enthusiasts or working at the starting line of Beacon Dragway.
Mitch was a hardworking man who spent thirty years as a tire builder for General Tire before working another ten years as a laborer for Millwright Construction. He also took great pride in his service and dedication to our country, having served in the United States Army and as a veteran of the Vietnam War. Mitch was a member of the American Legion Post #26 and the Disable American Veterans Chapter 106. He loved God, his country, his cars, and his family. From the times he spent meeting with his friends for breakfast at Hutchen’s or JoJo’s to all the memories he shared with his fellow car enthusiasts, Mitch will be deeply missed. He will be remembered for his hard work and dedication, his adventurous spirit, and for being a fantastic father, grandfather, and husband.
He is survived by his wife, Terri McKinney Donaldson of Benton, Kentucky; his two sons, Jared Donaldson (Shara) of Hickory, Kentucky, and Brad Greer of Mayfield, Kentucky; six grandchildren, Ella Greer, Brayden Greer, Caileigh Donaldson, Ashton Donaldson, Kenadee Donaldson and Anslee Donaldson; and one great-grandson, Princeton Kash Brooks.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Rene Marler; and his parents, William Earl Donaldson, Jr. and Geraldine Lamb Donaldson.
Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home of Milner & Orr is handling the arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the American Legion Post #26, P.O. Box 641, Mayfield, Kentucky 42066.
There are no services scheduled at this time.