|
Wayne Bennett Mitten, Jr. of Mesa, Arizona, passed away Friday, November 19, 2004, after a long illness. He was born in Fairbury, IL on February 15, 1929 to Wayne Bennett Mitten Sr. and Esther Marie Erickson. During high school his family moved to Evanston, IL. Wayne graduated as a Mechanical Engineer from the U. of Illinois where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. He served in the US Air Force as a 1st Lt. His talents as an engineer began with ACF Industries in Albuquerque, NM. Wayne then was manager of the Lawndale Army Missile Plant in California. Another opportunity lead the Mitten family to Connersville, IN where he was Manufacturing Manager of Philco-Ford Industries and an active member of the community as President of the Chamber of Commerce, VP of the local YMCA, and active in the Jr. Achievement Program. During the early 70s Wayne became VP of International Silver Co. in Meriden, CT. Keene, NH became the family's next home where Wayne was President of Millers Forge Co., Manager of Central Screw, and finally owner of Foreign Auto Parts. Ipsen International Industries asked Wayne to come to Langhorne, PA as their Sales Manager for Special Vacuum Furnaces. Upon retirement he became an Independent Consultant to several companies. In Mesa, AZ, many local establishments gave Wayne the opportunity to give of his talents; he was on the Board of the Southwest Shakespeare Co., an active member of the Presbyterian Church of the Master, and active with the Mesa YMCA. In his spare time, Wayne enjoyed his workshop, building a sailing dory, tinkering with his Mustang, fishing, and numerous hobbies. Wayne is survived by his wife, Frances Martin Mitten; son, Wayne B. Mitten III of NYC; daughter, Anne Mitten Fligor and husband, Bradford T. Fligor; grandchildren, Amy and William Fligor of Martha's Vineyard, MA; sister, Edith Louis Burns and husband, Kenneth J. Burns., Jr. of Lake Bluffs, IL; and six nieces and four nephews. Memorial services will be held in Mesa, AZ a Church of the Master, 11:30 a.m., January 15, 2005. The family requests any memorial gifts be made to your local YMCA.
|
