Eugene T. “Mitch” Mitchaner, also known as “The Turtle Man,” 99, of Paris, Illinois, passed away at 6:49 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Twin Lakes Extended Care.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Newman Wesley Chapel in Newman, Illinois. An additional visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home in Paris. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with burial taking place in Edgar Cemetery and Military Honors conducted by Paris American Legion Post #211.

Mitch was born on October 21, 1927, in a two-room house in rural Newman, Illinois, the sixth child of William and Laura (Carmicheal) Mitchaner. He had a rather unique story behind his middle name, Tunney, one that he never grew tired of sharing. On the night his mother went into labor, the doctor had attended a fighting match featuring Gene Tunney. That evening's events became the inspiration for Mitch's name, and he always enjoyed telling the story to anyone who asked.

From a young age, Mitch had a love for the outdoors and could often be found fishing in the creeks with his brothers. He also spent much of his childhood helping his mother and assisting his sisters with caring for their babies. Little did he know that those early experiences would come in handy years later during his military service. While serving in the Army and Air Force, his experience with children led to an unexpected responsibility when a general needed a babysitter. It was another story Mitch loved to share. During his service, he was stationed in the Aleutian Islands, where he endured subzero temperatures, an experience that left him with a lifelong dislike for cold weather.

After making his home in Paris, Mitch held a variety of jobs throughout the years. His employment included construction work, Colson's, Midwest Body, Community Gas, and serving as manager of the Phillips 66 gas station at Community Gas. However, his longest and most notable employment was with Paris Transport, where he dedicated nearly 46 years of service. He took great pride in being one of the company's longest-tenured employees.

Mitch made the decision to turn his life around at the halfway mark and became a Baptist minister. He faithfully served a small country church in Dennison for several years and especially enjoyed the opportunity to officiate weddings for those who asked him.

A man of remarkable creativity and ingenuity, Mitch was truly a jack of all trades. He had a talent for making something out of just about anything, often coming up with ideas that others would never have imagined. Whether it was repurposing refrigerator handles into grab bars for his home or creating a homemade persimmon picker using spoons attached to the end, Mitch always seemed to have a clever solution and his inventions were uniquely his.

One of his most recognizable talents was his craftsmanship, which earned him the nickname “The Turtle Man.” Mitch became well known for the turtle clocks, jewelry, and purses he created. As much as he enjoyed making these one-of-a-kind pieces, he found even greater joy in giving them away. Whether he encountered someone at the grocery store, the doctor's office, or simply while out and about, Mitch was always happy to share one of his creations. At the age of 91, he entered the largest clock he had ever made in the Edgar County Fair, proudly earning a blue ribbon.

Throughout his life, Mitch maintained a special appreciation for nature, an avid fisherman, he could frequently be found enjoying his favorite fishing spot at White Oaks Park. He also loved feeding the squirrels and had even befriended a deer that became something of a pet. The deer grew so familiar with Mitch that it would recognize his car as he pulled in, run to greet him, and eat right out of his hand.

Although many knew him as a fisherman, craftsman, minister, or simply “The Turtle Man,” Mitch was so much more. He was a beloved father and grandfather, a hardworking man, and someone whose resourcefulness, generosity, and countless stories made him truly one of a kind. His willingness to share his creations, his love for the outdoors, and his ability to find a use for almost anything were just a few of the qualities that made him memorable to those who knew him.

Mitch is survived by his son-in-law, Don Robinson; his daughter, Janice Poole (Jeffery); his grandchildren, Amy Robinson and Lisa Robinson; and his great-grandchildren, Danielle Kimble (Kaiden) and Gretchen Lance.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his daughter, Sandy Robinson; his parents, William and Laura Mitchaner; and his siblings, Evelyn, Aaron, Henry, Ethel, Russell, Herman, and Curn.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Chapel Church.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com