Curtis D. Mitchem was born on December 20, 1931, in Lake City, Arkansas. He passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, at Cape Town Assisted Living Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was 94 years of age.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Mitchem; his parents, Lawrence and Lula (Capel) Mitchem; 2 sons: David Curtis Mitchem and Joseph Anthony Mitchem; 6 siblings: Pete Mitchem, Ruby McCleod, Cletus Mitchem, Meme Myrtle Simmons, Wilford Mitchem, and Mary Carol Hurst; and one great-grandson, Brandon Smith.

Curtis was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and uncle. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He worked at the Ford Motor Company for 30 years before retiring. He enjoyed going to the casino, fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He leaves the following to cherish his memory:

2 Children: Regina Crossland of Perryville, MO.

Freddie Mitchem of House Springs, MO.

6 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

And a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the John W. German Funeral Home in Hayti, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and last until service time at 2 p.m. at the John W. German Funeral Home in Hayti. Burial with Military Honors will be held in Dry Bayou Cemetery at Concord, Missouri.