OXBOW – Dean E. Mitchell, age 58, passed away in a tractor trailer accident on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur, on Sunday, May 22, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Following calling hours, there will be a graveside service in the Oxbow Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Ronald Sinclair officiating.

Dean was born on May 29, 1957 in Canton to the late Lewis L. and Genevieve (Filiatrault) Mitchell. He attended Heuvelton Central School and earned his G.E.D. while serving the United States Army. Dean served 3 years active in the Army and 3 years in the Reserves before his honorable discharge in 1987.

He married Sandra (Sawyer) Bango on March 27, 1982 and proudly took on her family as his own. Dean worked several jobs, but has driven tractor trailer for the past 20 years, being currently employed by Eggleston Trucking in DeKalb Junction.

Dean was the type of guy to always put a smile on your face and lift your spirits. He loved time spent with family and friends; enjoyed riding motorcycles and his new Slingshot, hunting, and fishing. He was also a member of the Oxbow Fire Department.

His survivors include his wife, Sandra; four sons and their wives, Terry and Teresa Bango, Timothy and Cindy Bango, John and Robyn Bango, Gary Bango and Sandra Thibault; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 5 brothers, Roger, Bruce and Barbara, Curley, Wallace and Doreen, Kenneth and Tina; and 7 sisters, Shirley Cline, Iva and Charles Taylor, Alice and Walter Zeller, JoAnn Cross, Glenda and Alton Walrath, Nancy and John Wilson, and Addie Mitchell. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dean is predeceased by 2 sons, Tracey and Thomas Bango; 2 grandchildren, Adam and Trevor; and 4 great-grandchildren, Kaedence, Kierstin, Emma, and Lea.

Donations in memory of Dean may be made to any charity to benefit children of your choice. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.