Clifford "Red" Mitchem

Clifford "Red” Thomas Mitchem age 95 passed away after a brief illness on January 6, 2024 surrounded by his family at his home in Brushfork, WV. He is survived by Sally his loving wife of 68 years; daughters Tammy Wyatt and her husband David, Sandra Mitchem and family friend Scott Ridenour; Grandchildren Vicki Smith and husband Mark, Daniel Mounts and wife Britney, Julie Moore and husband Al, and Amanda Lafferty and husband Joseph; 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.
 
Clifford was born in Gary, WV on March 22, 1928 to the late Clarence and Ethel Mitchem. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by brothers Howard, Harless, Donnie, and Roger. 
 
Red was a veteran of the Korean War. He was a Staff Sergeant and tank gunner in the 64th tank battalion and was awarded 3 combat medals. After retiring from the Army he worked for US Steel for 20 years followed by 21 years with the state as a coal mine inspector.
 
He was an avid outdoorsman loving fishing, hiking, and all water sports - watering skiing well into his 70's. He retired in 1985 to "play cards, fish, and do whatever he wanted to do."
 
He was a dedicated Mason and served in all stations including Master for many years at both Pageton and then Bramwell Lodges.  He received his fifty-year pin in 2022. 
 
He will be sorely missed. Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Craven-Shires Funeral Home from 6 PM until 8 PM. Funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Don Dickerson officiating. Interment will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens. Members of the local Bramwell Masonic Lodge #45 serving as pallbearers. Full Masonic Graveside Rites will be performed.