Erwin Mitchell, who served two terms in Congress and later was Dalton's city attorney for 25 years, has died at the age of 87.

Mitchell, who died Tuesday at a hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn., represented Georgia in Congress as a Democrat from 1957-61. His death was confirmed by Love Funeral Home in Dalton.

Before going to Congress, Mitchell was a Superior Court judge.

Mitchell, a trial lawyer, helped organize a teacher exchange project that brought bilingual teachers from Mexico to Dalton and Whitfield County to help instruct the area's Spanish-speaking children.

He served as an airman in the Pacific during World War II and was district attorney before becoming a judge.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday at 3 p.m. at Dalton First United Methodist Church.

Tags: Dalton, Erwin Mitchell, Dalton First United Methodist Church, Love Funeral Home