Howard James Mitchem Sr.

Howard James “Uncle Pops” Mitchem Sr. was born on November 27, 1935 in Morrilton, Arkansas to Elbert Mitchem and Lucille (Williams) Mitchem. He graduated from Conway Training School in Menifee, Arkansas. On October 29, 1960 he married Marsha Dunn (Mitchem) in Kansas City, Missouri.

Howard never knew a stranger. He had a personality that would immediately light up the room when he walked in. He was truly a joy to be around. Howard dedicated much of his career to Montgomery Wards and the Blue Springs public school district before retiring at the age of 80. He also ran his own lawn business, worked part-time at Price Chopper and took great pride in creating his “yummy, yummy” delights as the owner of Mitch’s Cobblers. When Howard wasn’t hard at work he enjoyed woodworking and most of all being with his family. 

Howard was a man of strong faith and a devoted member and usher at his church Deeper Life Christian Ministry, before his health began to decline. He enjoyed working in the church kitchen and the community would always anticipate his cobblers and yams. Howard will be greatly missed. 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and dedicated wife of 64 years, Marsha Mitchem; his beloved children, Lamont Mitchem (Monty), Howard Mitchem Jr. (Buggie), Dana Mitchem Ogletree (Michele); his beloved grandchildren, Asya Mitchem, Aeron Mitchem (Chocolate), Myles Mitchem Ogletree and Triniti Ogletree (Trini); his great grandchildren, Erza Mitchem Ogletree, Knox Brown, Otto Mitchem, Maverick Mitchem Ogletree and Damien Mitchem Ogletree; his siblings, Lois Kukcinovich, sister-in-law Linda Mitchem and sister-in-law, Pinkie Mitchem, Albert Mitchem (Calandra), James Mitchem, Grace Williams (Donald), Ruby Jackson, Harold Mitchem, Kenneth Criswell, Richard Morris (Jacqueline) and, Spain Mitchem; dear friends, Pastor E.C. Morton, Gary Eastwood and Carson Ross and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Lucille Mitchem; step-mother, Grace Mitchem and siblings, Wendell Mitchem, Jewel Jerry Mitchem, Amos Mitchem, Jordan Mitchem, Johnny Criswell, Adell Mitchem, Rena Ward, Ezell Mitchem, Benjamin Morris, Waymon Mitchem and Elbert Myles.