Elmer Ray "Pete" Mitchell, 87 of Brownsville, TX passed away at his home on Veteran's Day Thursday, November 11, 2021. Pete was born September 29, 1934 in Kilgore, TX to Rufus A. and Hazel Lane Mitchell. He was united in marriage to Maria J. Mitchell on September 15, 1989 and they shared 31 wonderful years together. Born in Texas and raised between Southern Illinois and the family farm in Annona Texas, Pete was proud of his roots. He was intelligent, articulate and sophisticated. His intellect afforded him the opportunity to graduate Annona High School early at age 15. Pete then attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL until his fun-loving personality interfered with his grades. Rufus pulled him out of the University (no doubt by the ear) which led Pete to enlist in the United States Navy in February 1953. Pete completed his degree work at Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA in 1970. Pete was a career Naval officer and served 24 years of honorable, faithful and de