Johnny Lee Mitchell, age 68, of Highland, Indiana passed away August 3, 2025 in Dyer, Indiana. He was born to Raymond and Gacoba (nee Mollenar) Mitchell on May 21,1957 at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Hammond, Indiana.

Born and raised a true ‘Region Rat’, he lived most of his life in Hammond, later retiring in Highland, IN. John attended Hammond Tech, where he honed most of the skills that would mark him the best maintenance man, mechanic and repair man anyone could ask for. He worked for the Hammond Clinic, Miller’s Merry Manor, and various other healthcare clinics and facilities, leaving his mark with his meticulous handiwork.

Of course his talents extended far beyond the workplace. John had a gift for taking apart anything and putting it back together-especially when it came to his cars and Harleys. A true “MacGyver”, one of his greatest accomplishments besides being a devoted single dad was winning best custom coupe at the 2004 World of Wheels (along with every single one of his buddies that year!) He was and always will be the original badass.

Music was his religion- whether blasting Ozzy Osbourne, grooving to the Beatles, singing about going down to Kokomo, playing old records, or cranking up the volume on a Sunday cruise. John loved to go to the drag strip, heading to Blue Top for car nights, making mischief with his buddies, and a nice ride on his Harley. He enjoyed playing Rock Band, watching catroons, action or horror movies, and of course hitting up Top Notch for a good meal. When he wasn’t pulling pranks, he loved Yahtzee and UNO- every knew UNO was serious business in the Mitchell house. He lived life a quarter mile at a time, and he made each one of those miles count.

John was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Crystal Ann Mitchell, who was waiting for him at the gates. His parents Raymond Lee (Leah Pauline) Mitchell, and Jacoba Mitchell. His nephew Chase Mitchell, lifetime friends George Hug, and Luan Norman, many cherished aunts, uncles, family and friends welcomed him home. He leaves behind his greatest treasures- his children and grandchildren who were the pride and joy of his life. He is survived by his daughters Brandi (Darryl) Mitchell-Johnson and Falon Rae Ramos; sons Quentin Le (Stephanie) Mitchell and Vincent Mitchell; and his grandchildren Catrina DeLeon, Darryl Johnson, Jr., and Lucas Le Mitchell, each of whom brought endless smiles and stories to tell. His brothers Larry (Gayle) Mitchell, and step brother Keith Martin; his sister Debra Ann Mitchell, and step sister Rita (Dave) Martin live to tell the funny tales and memories of John’s life. He is also survived by his beautiful niece Denise Mitchell, extended family the Lattas, and so many cherished family friends.

John’s story will be told in the smell of motor oil, the hum of a Harley, the thunderous roar of a hot rod and the sound of a good rock song spilling out an open garage. His life was full throttle, no brakes- and he wouldn’t have it any other way. We will miss him more than words can say. As we say our farewell for now, we imagine the gates of heaven rumbling to life with the roar of his new heaven issued hot rod announcing John has arrived and is pulling up to the starting line. Waiting for the race light to hit green and take off for that next quarter mile, as his loved ones cheer him on. And don’t forget… Ozzy saves.

A celebration of John’s life will be held in mid October 2025. All of his friends and family are welcome, and further details will be shared once arrangements are finalized. The family deeply appreciates the outpouring of love and support during this time. 

 “Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” -John Lennon

Private arrangements entrusted to Castle Hill Funeral Home of Dyer, Indiana.