The Reverend Gary Mitchum, Pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Muskogee, transitioned to "Church Triumphant" on Friday evening, October 14, 2022 from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A scheduled two-week visit to Oklahoma to visit his brothers, Floyd and Aron Jr., turned into a much longer stay. Nearly six months after his arrival he became employed with a fast food warehouse to distribute goods to Tastee Freez in Oklahoma and Arkansas, solidifying his decision to make Muskogee his home. He held this position for nearly five years before being hired on as a machinist at Fort Howard. He became a member of New Zion Baptist Church, part of the community choir, softball team, and bowling leagues. He was also one of the coaches of the Muskogee City Champion Girls Softball Team (C&T Garage).

Muskogee is also the place where he began his own family. He is the father of Gary Jr., Jethena, Sarita, Rachel, and Kentrell. He later married Helen Cade. Through this union, he gained her children and family as his own.

In 1993 Gary accepted the Lord's call to preach the Gospel. In 1994 he became the pastor of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Porter, OK where he served for 9 years. He also served as the Second Vice Moderator of the Creek District Baptist Association. One of his most memorable moments was graduating from Liberty Bible College. He left full-time employment at Fort Howard after 18 years to fulfill his desire to do more work in the church but continued to work part-time.

In 2004 Gary returned to New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Muskogee where he served as pastor until his passing. His contribution of over 25 years of service to the city of Muskogee and surrounding areas afforded him the honor of having June 13, 2022, deemed "Pastor Gary Mitchum Day" by Mayor Marlon Coleman.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Odessa M. Gatewood - St. Louis, MO, his brothers Napoleon Mitchum, Larnell Mitchum, Otis Mitchum - Pittsburgh, PA, and Floyd Mitchum - Muskogee, OK, and his son Gary Mitchum, Jr. - Muskogee, OK.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Mitchum, his children Jethena (Joshua) Mitchell - Coweta, Sarita (Billy) Simmons - Muskogee, Rachel Mitchum - Muskogee, and son Kentrell Mitchum - Muskogee; granddaughters Jasmine and Jaliyah;  his brothers Aron Mitchum Jr. - Muskogee, OK, Terry Mitchum - Pittsburgh, PA, Stanley Mitchum (Veronica) - Silver Spring, MD; his sisters Helen Noel (Chris) - Charlotte, NC, Lucille Hayes - Columbus, OH, Loes Hedge (Bill) - St. Joseph, MO, and Edith Smith (Paul) - Pittsburgh, PA, a host of nephews, nieces, and extended family members, and special friends.

The Hour of Remembrance for Pastor Mitchum will commence on Monday, October 24, 2022 at High Noon, in the most holy sanctuary of the Timothy Baptist Church.  Pastor Kelly Payne, the gracious host, Reverend Larry H. Smith, Sr., Officiating and Minister Jethena Mitchell, Eulogist.

Pastor Mitchum will then be placed in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Muskogee, immediately after the service.

You may visit Pastor Mitchum, as he slumbers in peaceful repose in the People's Chapel of the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., in Muskogee on Sunday between the hours of 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

Visitation on Monday will be prior to the service, beginning at 10:45 AM until 11:45 AM at the Church.