Mitchem Sr., Roy Dennis

October 02, 1920 - February 21, 2010

Roy Dennis Mitchem Sr. of Hinton passed away Sunday, February 21, 2010 at the Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital following a short illness. He was 89 years of age. Roy was born October 2, 1920, to the late John E. and Garnet D. Mitchem of Paint Creek. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step mother, Lorraine Mitchem; brothers, Denny Oscar, James Nelson, John Archie and Jack Mitchem and a sister, Maxine Mitchem; a half brother, Randolph, and a step brother, Gene Mitchem and step sister, Virginia Lee Nelson. In addition to his family, Roy was preceded in death by his long time friend, Gaylon Comer of Arizona. Roy began his career as a coal miner and later on as a truck driver. He retired as a dispatcher for E.I. Kane Movers of Maryland in 1982. He was a member of the Local Teamsters 639, located in Washington, DC. Roy is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Idleane Roop Mitchem. They were married on April 6, 1941 and had three children born into this marriage; Roy Dennis Mitchem Jr. and his wife, Jenny of Hinton, Christine Marie “Chris” Sarver and her husband, Noah Lee of Crab Orchard and Joseph Ray “Joe” Mitchem Sr. and his wife Sue of Fulton, MD. Roy was richly blessed by nine grandchildren to whom he was a loving Papa. Matthew Wright, Vicki Mitchem, Jackie Richmond, Deborah Wilson, Andrew Wright, Robyn Robertson, Dennis Mitchem, Joey Mitchem, and Katie Mitchem. He is also survived by two step grandchildren, Gary Sarver and Judy Richards and twelve great grandchildren. Roy is also survived by a brother, Troy Mitchem and his wife Jean and sisters, Mildred Ann Malcolm and Sue Warden; several nieces and nephews, whom affectionately called him “Uncle Roy.” Roy and Idleane enjoyed traveling. They often took long trips to visit family and friends. An avid Washington Red Skins and Cincinnati Reds fan, Roy stayed active and prided himself on being able to still drive anywhere he needed to go. He was a member of the Freedom Baptist Church at Powley’s Creek. Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 24, at 3:00 p.m. at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Pete Cook officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Tabor Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the service time. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The Mitchem family would like to thank the Summers County E.M.S. and the C.C.U staff at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital for Roy’s wonderful care and the compassionate words to the family during this difficult time.