Herman Otis Mitchell, Sr. Lansing Herman Otis Mitchell, Sr. was born on October 10, 1930 to Otey and Clara Mitchell, who preceded him in death. He was the youngest of three children. Herman regularly attended church with his parents and sisters. As a young boy, Hermans hard work ethic was evident with his newspaper route. While attending Cass Technical High School (class of 1947), Herman had an apprenticeship where he designed the building for Tannery Leather Company. He enlisted in the United States Air Force (1949-1953), fought in the Korean War and was a Tuskegee Airman. Herman attended Michigan State University and began working for the Michigan Highway Department (1958) as a civil engineer. He drew the layout and design of the I-696 freeway overpass (east and west) over the I-75 freeway in Metropolitan Detroit and other bridges within the state, including the Lansing area. Herman helped draw the layout and design of the St. Lawrence Seaway in Ontario, Canada; a system of locks, canals and channels that allow ocean-going vessels to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. Herman retired from the State of Michigan Department of Transportation. Later in life, Herman was a tax preparer and consultant. Herman endured racism and mistreatment both in the military and on the job. He used his sense of humor to deal with whatever life brought his way, even the reoccurrence of his illness. Herman was benevolent to his family, friends and community. His jokes and boisterous laugh often made him the life of the party. Herman played the clarinet and performed in a band in Lansing. He was an eternal learner and had a lot of respect for education. Herman took courses at Lansing Community College and attended conferences to gain knowledge about the latest tax updates. Herman also formed and led an Alcoholics Anonymous support group. Herman made his transition on December 12, 2013. His two sisters preceded him in death: Jewel and Mildred. Herman O. Mitchell, Sr. leaves to mourn two sons: Anthony (Janis) and Herman, Jr.; one granddaughter: Brandy (Raford); four great-granddaughters: Briez, Carmen, Londongray and Parker; cousin: Louise; special friend: Viola; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Mr. Mitchell will lie in repose Wednesday, December 18, 12-7pm at Riley Funeral Home, 426 W. St. Joseph St., Lansing, MI 48933. Funeral Services for Mr. Mitchell will be held Thursday, December 19,12pm, at Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, 3403 Franette Rd, Lansing, MI 48906. The family will receive friends one hour before the service begins.