Edgar "Duke" Mitchum

Edgar Durward (Duke) Mitchum passed away on Friday, September 17th, 2021, surrounded by loved ones. Family and friends plan to gather for a private memorial service at a later time.

Duke lived a remarkable life. He was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on February 17th, 1937, to Banks and Mildred Mitchum. His fond memories of youth on his family's farm eventually led him to establish his own cattle operation near the Kanawha community in northwestern Red River County.

He loved talking about his work experiences. Long before making his life on the ranch, Duke served in the U.S. Army. He first moved to Texas to work in the airline industry, beginning his career with Texas International Airlines. Duke later worked as the communications director for Southwest Airlines in the company's early days. When he wasn't managing call centers and establishing new routes for Southwest, he enjoyed taking to the sky in his private plane. After his time at Southwest, Duke worked for TXU until he retired, first in administration and later in operations. One could expect Duke's stories to range from his adventures as a school bus driver while still attending high school, working side by side with airline CEOs and top executives, or saving the life of a three-legged dog named "Lignite" with brothers from the mine. When he wasn't doing ranch work in his retirement years, Duke enjoyed sitting on his porch, "the piazza," drinking a cold beer, visiting with friends, and solving the world's problems.

Duke's father, mother, brother, Lewis Mitchum, and sister, Hope Sauerland, preceded him in death. His brother, Grant Mitchum of Florida; nieces and nephews, Roberta, Stephanie, Greg, and Clint; his family in Kanawha, Lisa, Brandon, Shelby, Ashley, and Elizabeth Langehennig, and Brayden White; and many friends survive him. He will be laid to rest on his ranch near his beloved dog, Suzy, at his request.

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