Columbus, OH — Duane V. Mitchell Sr., 67, of Harrington, Del., died June 17, 2024, at Milford Delaware Hospice after bravely suffering from cancer.

Mr. Mitchell was born May 14, 1957, in Wilmington, Del., to parents Vernon and Cornelia. He spent his childhood in Greensboro, Md. After leaving school, he began his life as a groom, trainer and driver at local Standardbred tracks.

In 1980, he was given the most improved driver award by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association.

He enjoyed betting on horses, watching baseball and movies. Most of all, he loved music and dancing. You could find him at Harrington Casino dancing every Friday and Saturday night. Prior to their closing, he danced at Cowboy Up in Dover where he taught couples line dancing, and would also dance at Cancun Cantina in Hanover, Md.

Mr. Mitchell loved kids and helped them to learn and love the game of baseball. He would restring or adjust their gloves, and practice with them to master their game.

He coached the Budweiser softball team for numerous years and was so proud when they won the ASA National Championship Men’s Class A Modified Pitch in 1999. He could be very hard on his players, but he loved his boys.

Mr. Mitchell will be remembered for his love of people and life. He loved life to the fullest right up to the end.

He is survived by his sons, Duane Jr. (Breonne) and Shane; grandchildren, Tymber and Shane Jr.; father and step-mother, Vernon and Pat; siblings, David, Brenda (Buddy) Gulrich, and Ellen Boyd (William Wyatt); nieces, Erica Walker and Mary Ellen Boyd; nephews, Trevor and Clint Dager; plus numerous cousins, extended family and his friends from the Harrington simulcast that he loved with all his heart. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cornelia; niece, Erin Dager; and brother, Dennis.

A celebration of life will be held at the Marydel Firehouse, 110 Firehouse Lane, Marydel, DE, between 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday (June 25).