M&S History
Since 1955
|
Mr. Ralph Mitchell and Mr. Floyd Stark founded Mitchell & Stark Construction Co., Inc. in 1955 in Medora, Indiana. This home office remains the headquarters still today. In 1981, Mr. Mitchell chose to expand the business and opened a new office in Naples, Florida, which has proven to be a successful venture, as well.
As you can see from the photographs, the equipment and technology have changed over the years, but Mitchell & Stark's dedication to its customers and employees has not.
|
|
The engineering and managerial expertise of Founder, Ralph Mitchell, Former President, Fred Harrision, and CEO, Brian Penner have made Mitchell & Stark Construction Co., Inc. an industry leader for the past 70 years. The long stability of the company can greatly be attributed to the integrity, leadership, and vision of these three men.
|
Brian Penner, President & CEO
|
|
At Mr. Ralph Mitchell's recent passing, his family and everyone at Mitchell & Stark Construction Co. are very grateful for the man he was, and we remember all he did to make this company what it is today.
He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Brownstown.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and served until 1946. He served with the Third Infantry Division in the European Theater from 1944 to 1946. He achieved the rank of captain and received the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, European Occupation Medal, two unit citations and the Crux de Guerre while attached to the Free French Division.
Ralph received his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Rose-Hulman Polytechnic Institute, where he later received an honorary doctorate degree.
He was a professional civil engineer and founder of Mitchell & Stark Construction Co. He was also a member of the American Legion, Lions Club, Elks Club and Masonic Lodge.
He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Brownstown.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and served until 1946. He served with the Third Infantry Division in the European Theater from 1944 to 1946. He achieved the rank of captain and received the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, European Occupation Medal, two unit citations and the Crux de Guerre while attached to the Free French Division.
Ralph received his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Rose-Hulman Polytechnic Institute, where he later received an honorary doctorate degree.
He was a professional civil engineer and founder of Mitchell & Stark Construction Co. He was also a member of the American Legion, Lions Club, Elks Club and Masonic Lodge.
|
Fred Harrison's Obituary
Frederick Carl Harrison, age 84, of Medora, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, October 20, 2025, at Covered Bridge Health Campus, Seymour, after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Harrison deeply loved his Lord and Savior and was a devoted, active member of Mt. Zion Church for over 70 years.
Fred graduated from Purdue University in 1964 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he began his lifelong career with Mitchell & Stark Construction Company, where he served as a dedicated and hardworking Civil Engineer. He remained actively involved and retired in 2016 as president of the company. Fred was passionate about his work and truly enjoyed every aspect of it.
In addition to his engineering career, Fred was a lifelong farmer with a deep passion for cattle. He especially enjoyed working alongside his wife as they cared for their livestock together.
Community support and involvement were very important to Fred. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Brownstown and served with The Gideons International for 25 years. In addition, he dedicated 17 years to the Jackson County Drainage Board, served on the BCCS school board, and was a longtime member of the Board of Directors at the State Bank of Medora.
Fred loved his family dearly and consistently supported them in their pursuits throughout life. He was also a well-known and respected member of Jackson County, and a true friend to many.
Born on August 8, 1941, in Madison, Fred was the son of Harry and Juanita (Sherrill) Harrison, both of whom preceded him in death. On June 14, 1964, at Surprise United Methodist Church, he married Susan Ann Thompson, and she survives in Medora.
Survivors also include one son, Dr. Ron E. (Karen) Harrison of Vallonia; one daughter, Joy L. (Gregg) Stuckwisch of Seymour; five grandchildren: Lauren Harrison, Morgan (Jacob) Wieneke, Faith Harrison, Seth (Emily) Stuckwisch, and Shelby (Zach McCory) Stuckwisch; and two aunts.
Fred was also preceded in death by two brothers: Russell "Rusty" Harrison and Rex Harrison.
Frederick Carl Harrison, age 84, of Medora, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, October 20, 2025, at Covered Bridge Health Campus, Seymour, after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Harrison deeply loved his Lord and Savior and was a devoted, active member of Mt. Zion Church for over 70 years.
Fred graduated from Purdue University in 1964 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he began his lifelong career with Mitchell & Stark Construction Company, where he served as a dedicated and hardworking Civil Engineer. He remained actively involved and retired in 2016 as president of the company. Fred was passionate about his work and truly enjoyed every aspect of it.
In addition to his engineering career, Fred was a lifelong farmer with a deep passion for cattle. He especially enjoyed working alongside his wife as they cared for their livestock together.
Community support and involvement were very important to Fred. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Brownstown and served with The Gideons International for 25 years. In addition, he dedicated 17 years to the Jackson County Drainage Board, served on the BCCS school board, and was a longtime member of the Board of Directors at the State Bank of Medora.
Fred loved his family dearly and consistently supported them in their pursuits throughout life. He was also a well-known and respected member of Jackson County, and a true friend to many.
Born on August 8, 1941, in Madison, Fred was the son of Harry and Juanita (Sherrill) Harrison, both of whom preceded him in death. On June 14, 1964, at Surprise United Methodist Church, he married Susan Ann Thompson, and she survives in Medora.
Survivors also include one son, Dr. Ron E. (Karen) Harrison of Vallonia; one daughter, Joy L. (Gregg) Stuckwisch of Seymour; five grandchildren: Lauren Harrison, Morgan (Jacob) Wieneke, Faith Harrison, Seth (Emily) Stuckwisch, and Shelby (Zach McCory) Stuckwisch; and two aunts.
Fred was also preceded in death by two brothers: Russell "Rusty" Harrison and Rex Harrison.