Gene Lee Mitchem

Gene Lee Mitchem, 65, Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, in St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Joplin following a lengthy illness. He was born Jan. 28, 1944, in Nevada to Everett Lee Mitchem and Wilma Ruth Walker Mitchem.

He married Mary Ann Riggs on June 24, 1962, in Nevada and she survives of the home.

Gene grew up in Nevada and graduated from the Nevada High School in 1962. He worked for C.A. White Motors for a number of years, worked in credit and finance for U.S. Credit Life and worked for Thorpe’s Appliance for many years. Gene owned and operated GM Gun and Pawn for the past 10 years, retiring in 2009. He was a member of the BPO Elks #564, was active for many years with Oakdale 4-H and Vernon County 4-H Youth Fair. Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Mary Ann, of the home, include his son, Buck Mitchem, and his wife, Christi - Schell City, his daughter, Heather Mitchem Gade, and her fiance, Daniel Fletcher - Galena; four grandchildren - Forest Mitchem, Bowen Gade, Sydney Gade and Shiloh Mitchem; and one sister, Wanda Ann Durham - Rich Hill.

Services were held Friday, Dec. 11, in Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the American Cancer Society in care of Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772.