Lawrence Mitchum

Lawrence Edward Mitchum, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at the age of 89. He was born on October 23, 1935, in Hickman, Kentucky, to Ruth and Bill Mitchum. Lawrence was a quiet, kind, and gentle man with a strong and unwavering faith in the Lord. He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia; his children, Laura Mitchum and Larry (Tracey) Mitchum; his grandchildren, Kristin (Kyle) Daubenmeyer, Jake Mitchum, and Josh Zimmerman; and his great-grandchildren, Ella Daubenmeyer, Knightly Daubenmeyer, and Phoenix Mitchum. He is also survived by his brothers, John (Kaye) Mitchum and Morris Mitchum; his sisters, Kitty Mitchum and Martha Loschiavo; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Bill Mitchum; his first wife, Nancy Mitchum; his children, Melinda Zimmerman and Mark Parker; his sisters, Marion Moffitt, Angie Mitchum, and Betty (Bobby) Reeves; and his brother-in-law, Gene (Marie) Wilcox. Depending on when and where you met him along his journey, you may have known him as Lawrence, Larry, or simply Mitch. Lawrence grew up in a farming community in Hickman, Kentucky, as the second oldest of eight children. In his early years, he worked the farmland, growing corn and soybeans and picking cotton alongside his family. After graduating high school, Lawrence proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, traveling the world and spending memorable time in Germany and France — experiences he fondly reflected on throughout his life. Being the son of a pastor, Lawrence was raised in the Christian faith, and it was there that he developed a deep and abiding love for the Lord. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he lovingly passed it on to his children and all who knew him. He and his wife, Virginia, found great joy serving their congregation at Christ Community Church in Sterling Heights, and he treasured his Sunday morning worship time. Lawrence loved his work as a barber, serving his community for over 60 years. Over the decades, he built friendships and touched countless lives through his time at Sam's Barber Shop in Clawson, Clarence's Barber Shop in Clawson, and most recently, Chet's Barber Shop in Royal Oak. He had a true gift for conversation and valued the connections he made with his customers. Lawrence will be deeply missed by many, but especially by his family. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit, kindness, and faith will continue to inspire and uplift us all. May his legacy of faith live on in all of us, and may he now rest in the eternal peace and joy of the Lord. Visitation for Lawrence will be held on Friday, April 11, from 2 - 8 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (four blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. The funeral service for Lawrence will be held on Saturday, April 12 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. A funeral procession will follow to White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy for the committal prayers and presentation of military honors. An off-site luncheon will follow the cemetery services. Memorial contributions in honor of Lawrence can be directed to Christ Community Church (www.christcommchurch.org).

Lawrence Mitchum

October 23, 1935 - April 7, 2025