Maurice Mitchell
1929-2003
Maurice M. Mitchell Jr., 73, of Ashland, Ky., formerly of Philadelphia, Pa., died Friday, April 18, 2003, in King's Daughters Medical Center.
Mr. Mitchell was born in Philadelphia on Nov. 27, 1929, the son of the late Maurice M. and Agnes S. Kerr Mitchell.
He was also preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn B. Mitchell, who died in 1998.
He was retired from Ashland Oil, where he served as vice president of research and development from 1986-1993.
Mr. Mitchell was a lifelong chemist and researcher who graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry in 1951, a master's degree in chemistry in 1957 and a doctorate in physical chemistry in 1960.
He began his career as a group leader of research and development in 1951 at U.S. Steel Corp. in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he worked until 1961.
He was also branch head of physical chemistry research and development at Melpar Inc. in Falls Church, Va., 1961-1964; group leader of research and development at Atlantic Richfield Co., Philadelphia. Pa., 1964-1973; director of research and development at Houdry Division of Air Products and Chemicals Inc., 1973-1981, director of research and development at Ashland Oil, 1981-1986.
Mr. Mitchell, who holds numerous patents, was also a visiting lecturer for the chemistry department of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1993-1996 at the Ohio University Southern Campus in Ironton, Ohio and has had articles published in professional journals.
He was of the Presbyterian faith and was a member of American Institute of Chemists, American Chemical Society, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Catalysis Society of North America (serving as president from 1985-1989), AAAS, Sigma Xi, and Ashland Kiwanis Club.
Survivors include a nephew, Charles W. Zimmerman of Ocean City, N.J.; a niece, Wilma J. Zimmerman, of Towson, MD.; a great niece, Tre C. Fava of Fairfax, Va.; and a sister-in-law, Betsy Smith of Pittsburgh, Pa.
Services for Mr. Mitchell will conducted by Dr. Richard Smith at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Marshall Steen Funeral Home Ashland Chapel in Ashland, Ky. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Graveside services will be conducted by the Rev. Robert Jackson at the Allegheny County Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Allison Park, Pa., at 2 p.m. Thursday, with visitation before the service from 1 to 2 p.m.
Friends may make contributions to the Cardiopulmonary Unit at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, St. Christopher Drive, Ashland, KY., 41101.
Condolences may be offered at www.steenfuneralhomes.com
