John L. Mikell, 80, of Palatka, passed from this life on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Palatka Health Care Center following an extended illness. Born in Melbourne, Florida, John was raised in the Grandin area and lived all of his life in Putnam County. John served honorably in the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from the University of Florida with his Bachelor’s Degree in finance and earned his Master’s Degree in banking administration from the University of Georgia. John served as President of First Federal Savings and Loan from 1976 – 2003. He was very involved in the community over the years and served in various capacities including as President of the Kiwanis Club of Palatka and the Rotary Club of Palatka where he was recognized multiple times as a Paul Harris Fellow, the highest honor in Rotary. He had also served as a director with the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Assistant Scoutmaster of troop #62 and was a member of All-Saints Anglican Church in Palatka as well as a the Sons of American Revolution and Sons of Confederate Veterans. John was an avid Gator fan and in his younger years, he loved to snow-ski, fishing and sailing. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Daniel Mikell and Jewell Hutson Mikell. John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Charlene B. Mikell of Palatka, a son, John C. Mikell (Michelle) of Palatka, his step-mother, Maebell Mikell of Palatka, his 2 grandchildren, Courtney Mikell and Colby Mikell of Palatka, his 1st cousin, Georgie Terwillegar of Palatka and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Art and Teddy Nichols of Palatka, Ben and Kathi Bates of Palatka and Jim and Lynda Bates of Jennings, FL. Services celebrating John’s life will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 6, 2017 at All Saints Anglican Church with Father Frank Bartlett officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill West Cemetery with the U.S. Air Force conducting military honors. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5-7 P.M. at Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka. Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be sent in John’s memory to Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Road, Palatka, FL 32177. Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at John’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.