Dan Byron Mitchell

Dan Byron Mitchell

Husband, father, and friend passed away peacefully from complications due to dementia on May 21st, 2026. He was born on May 10th, 1943, to Lee & Margaret Mitchell and was a lifelong resident of Des Moines. 

He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961. From there, he served his country for several years in the National Guard, where he packed parachutes for the military along with big brother, Larry. 

On March 15th, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart Karla Stevens, and they shared 63 loving years together. The family grew to five with the births of Kirk, Tim, and Todd. After his time in the military, he joined the family business of Mitchell Transmission and later was in charge first of Mitchell Auto and then Sunset Beach Auto Salvage where he was the owner and operator for over 50 years. 

He and Karla were avid travelers. They loved to take the family on weekend trips around the State and vacations throughout the U.S.  

From an early age, Dan loved anything with a motor. He owned several classic cars and motorcycles. He also enjoyed NASCAR and the NFL, especially the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings. In his later years, Dan enjoyed watching golf on Sundays. 

Dan was known for his love of animals, both big and small. Over the years countless dogs, cats, and small farm animals graced the grounds of Sunset Beach. 

He is survived by his wife, Karla, his sons Kirk (Anne), Tim (LaVonne), Todd (Lona), five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and his sister, Colleen. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Lee & Margaret, and his brother, Larry, his in-laws, Clarence & Evelyn Stevens, and brother-in-law, David (Sheila) Stevens. 

Family will greet friends from 4pm to 6 pm on May 28th, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Chapel with a service of remembrance to follow. There will be a private burial at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to Animal Lifeline or Alzheimer's Association.