Obituary

John P. Mitchem, 89, died Sunday (Dec. 17, 2006) at Sedgwick Healthcare Center in Sedgwick.

He was born July 19, 1917, in Burley, Idaho, to James Edgar and Adah Elizabeth (Allen) Mitchem. On Feb. 2, 1941, he married Marjorie Selley in Hollywood, Calif. She survives of the home.

He was a member of the Newton Christian Church. During his working career, he worked as a farmer in Oakley, a tech writer for Martin Marrietta and Boeing. He also owned and operated a Universal Gas Station in Wichita. John retired from Excel Industries in Hesston. John enjoyed working on cars. One of his greatest joys in his life was his family. He greatly looked forward to following his kids' and grandkids' activities.

In addition to his wife, survivors include: daughter, Sharon and Gary Base of Sedgwick; sons, Randy and Kristina Mitchem of Sedgwick, Rick and Janice Mitchem of Wichita, and Joe and LeaAnn Mitchem of Sedgwick; brother, Allen Mitchem of Denver; sisters, Lola Borg of Denver and Mary Hess of Spokane, Wash.; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Beverly Krausse; and twin grandsons.

Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton with family greeting friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Newton Christian Church with Pastor Doug Ingmire of the church officiating. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Sedgwick. Memorial contributions may be made to Newton Christian Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home.