struggles with dementia and related health issues.
Don was born in North Carolina, to William Clayton Mitchum and Mary Chaney
Mitchum (both deceased). The family moved often in his early years for his
dad’s career, but he completed high school in Lexington, KY. He earned a BA in
Psychology from University of Kentucky and entered the U.S. Air Force. This
changed his childhood desire to be a pilot and let him experience various jobs
while “waiting” for that perfect career match.
He worked for Corning Glass in Kentucky and Monsanto in St. Louis, then
moved to Dallas in 1971 to work for a marketing research firm. This was the
beginning of a very successful 25 year career in the advertising industry.
An ADWEEK magazine (June 17, 1985) profile of Don, very aptly referred to him
as a “traveling man”. Don joined BBDO Worldwide which included leadership in
the Denver, Los Angeles, and Atlanta offices of BBDO, a leading worldwide
advertising agency. Each move brought great success and increased billing for
his company.
Don was pre-deceased by his wife, Carol Mitchum, on 11-25-2020, after 44
years of marriage.
After a very active life and successful career, Don and Carol
decided to retire to the Hill Country, just west of Austin, Tx. They moved to
“Buckhead Ranch” in 1996 and enjoyed their life on a hilltop ranch sharing
Texas hospitality with family and friends. Retirement gave Don time for family,
golf, raising Longhorn cattle, following UT basketball and football, and sipping a
fine Kentucky bourbon.
Don was pre-deceased by his wife, Carol Mitchum, on 11-25-2020, after 44
years of marriage. He is also pre-deceased by parents, his sister, Norma Lee
Mitchum Snidow, and his brother, William Clayton Mitchum, Jr. He is survived by
his niece, Mary Lois Mitchum, and nephew, Richard Mitchum. He is survived by
his children David, Susan (Calvin), Abigail, Thomas and his grandchildren Trevor,
Madeleine, Lee, Farrah, and Jemma.
He will be missed by many family, friends, business associates, and those lives
he touched and guided during his life. He was considered extremely successful,
but also humble and compassionate, and very generous with those he cared about.
He is always “Papa” to his grandchildren.
Don will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Carol, on Saturday, April 17,
2021 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 6300 W.
William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.
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