Francis J. Mitchell, 80, of Sparta, died Monday, April 10, 2006 at his home. He was born on June 7, 1925 in the Township of Ridgeville, Monroe County to Everett and Mary (Gallagher) Mitchell. He grew up in the Ridgeville-Kendall-Wilton area.

     Francis farmed for a while for himself before coming to the Jenkin’s Family Farm in 1957. He worked and lived on the family farm, caring for the Jenkin’s horses. He was known as the “Gateman” at the R-B Riders Horseshow in Rockland. He received the WWHSA Friend of the Horse Award in November 2005.

     He is survived by his sister, Loretta (Tom) Kaminski of Lake Delton, WI; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and close friends, Patricia Jenkins of Sparta and Glenn (Mary) Jenkins of Cashton.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.

     Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, with Father James Leary OFM Cap. officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Wilton.

     Family and friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of services.