Longtime construction industry veteran William Mitchell passed away at his St. Charles, Mo., home on June 3, 2012 at the age of 65.

A constant presence in the Midwest construction equipment business, Mr. Mitchell worked for Roland Machinery Co. for the past 23 years.

Mr. Mitchell joined forces with Roland Machinery in October 1989 after the company acquired Missouri Illinois Tractor Co., where he had been sales representative since 1977 and sales manager since 1984.

With the acquisition, Mr. Mitchell moved into the position of general manager.

Just three years later Mr. Mitchell was promoted to the general manager of the St. Louis division, which included five Roland Machinery locations in Bridgeton, Cape Girardeau, Palmyra, Columbia, Mo., and Carterville, Ill.

“Bill Mitchell was a friend of mine for 40 years,” said Roland Machinery Co. CEO Ray Roland. “He was responsible for our success in the St. Louis division and highly regarded in our industry.

“He was involved in the construction of new facilities in Bridgeton, Palmyra, & Columbia, Missouri. Bill planned to retire on June 30, 2012 to spend time with his wife, Mary Ann, as well as, his sons, Ken & Matt, and their grandchildren.

“Bill will be missed by all of his friends and co-workers at Roland Machinery Co. He was a good man who took his job and relationships with people seriously.”

Mr. Mitchell served on a number of industry boards and associations and was highly respected by his peers and employees. CEG