Robert Lynn Mitchum

Robert Lynn Mitchum, 76, of Salem, Arkansas passed from this life on Thursday, November 25, 2021, at home in Salem, Arkansas. Robert was born August 15, 1945, in Batesville, Arkansas to the late James J. Mitchum and Geraldine (Sims) Mitchum.

Robert graduated from Batesville High School in 1963 and Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in 1967, where he was student body president. He began working for the Arkansas Assessment Coordination Department and taught high school in Sherdan, Arkansas and Bernie, Missouri. He then went on to work for the White River Housing Authority and Century 21. Robert, then began a reappraisal company, Mitchum, Thompson, and Belon. In the 1980’s he began his career with ASU Beebe where he stayed for the next 30 years. He was the chair of the Business and Agriculture Department and helped start the Vet Tech Program.

When Robert retired from ASU, he became the Recorder/Treasurer for the City of Salem. He also wrote for the Areawide Media, covering sports. Sports were his passion, especially watching his daughter Sidney play basketball.

Robert had a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Business at Arkansas College and an MBA at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. He was a member of the White River Housing Development, the Batesville Jaycees, and the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. Robert was passionate about music, sporting events, his girls and grandson, Trace.

He is survived by his wife, Fran (Welch) Mitchum of the home; his daughters, Casey Mitchum and Sidney Mitchum (Clayton Everett) all of Salem, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Jimmie Ann Mitchum and niece Lynne Mitchum Teague of Batesville; grandson, Trace and honorary grandchildren, Tripp Martin and Ella Martin. He is preceded in death by his parents (James and Geraldine Mitchum) and brother (Jim “Fireball” Mitchum).

Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, November 28, 2021 at the Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. John Hodges and Pastor Ken Anderson officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. until time of service on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at the Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, Arkansas. Interment will be in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Andy Rhodes, Jeff Welch, Clayton Everett, Justin Welch, Seth Martin, and Logan Welch. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital or the Backpack Program at the Salem United Methodist Church in Salem, Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home, LLC in Salem, Arkansas.