Dr. Roger E. Mitchell

WESTBROOK - Dr. Roger E. Mitchell, 85, of Westbrook, died July 23, 2011 at Maine Medical Center from complications of cancer. He was the third of fourteen children of Don Otto and Pearl Tozier Mitchell in Merrill, Maine on September 14, 1925. Roger was a U.S. Marine during World War II serving in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He was a member of the honor guard at the signing of the peace treaty with Japan. Roger was recalled to duty for the Korean Conflict in 1950. Roger received his high school diploma from Merrill High School in 1947, his BA from Ricker College in 1953, his MA from the University of Maine in 1954 and his PhD in anthropology and folklore from Indiana University in 1967. He taught a number of years in high schools in Aroostook County. Later he taught at the University of Guam and was a professor at University of Wisconsin-Eau Clair for twenty seven years. He retired in 1992. During his career he published several books and many articles in professional publications. His book FOLKTALES OF MICRONESIA was translated into Japanese and many folktales were read over Radio Tokyo. Roger was a member of the American Anthropological Association, the American Folklore Society, and many other professional associations. Locally, he was a member of Pride's Corner Garden Club, the Costal Maine Garden Association, the Smoki-Hauler's Snowmobile Club, the Oakfield Historical Society, and the American Legion. Dr. Mitchell is predeceased by his parents and eight siblings. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Joyce Peabody Mitchell of Westbrook; a son, Dr. Roger E. Mitchell, II of Big Rapids, Michigan; two sisters, Leah Hersey and her husband Albert of Oakfield, Virginia Bell and her husband Larry of Mississippi; three brothers, Stephen Mitchell of Merrill, Phillip Mitchell and his wife Sue of West Virginia, Eric Mitchell and his wife Diane of Pennsylvania; in-laws, Marie Peabody of Houlton, Herman and Kate Peabody of Lincoln, Ervin an Elaine of Bristol, CT, Pamela Peabody of Arizona and Mona Lepane of Boothbay Harbor. No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements are by Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Online Condolences for Dr. Roger Mitchell