Douglas Lee Mitchum, 87, of Laramie, died Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Laramie.
He was born in Kimball, Nebraska on December 23, 1933, but as an infant was moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he was raised. His parents were Russell A. Mitchum and Joyce McClanahan Mitchum. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a beloved step-mother, Eileen Foley Mitchum.
He graduated from Saint Mary’s High School, Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Seaman during 1953-1955, primarily on the U.S.S. Antares (K-258), in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Mediterranean waters. He attended the University of Wyoming where he earned a B.S. degree in Wildlife Management (1959) and a M.S. degree in Zoology (1960).
He married Marcella Meckem in Cheyenne on June 5, 1956. Douglas and Marcella had four children (sons Robin and Derek; and daughters Dawn and Twila).
Douglas worked for the Wyoming State Game and Fish Department for 37 years (1958-1995) as an Assistant Fisheries Biologist, Research Laboratory Biologist, Laboratory Supervisor, and Fish Pathologist (the first Certified Fish Pathologist in Wyoming). He was President of the Fish and Health Section, American Fisheries Society (1979-1980). He received the 1976 award for Outstanding and Meritorious Service to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. He published several articles, co-authored the book Atlas of Trout History (with B.G. Anderson, 1974), and was the sole author of the classic book Parasites of Fishes in Wyoming (Mitchum, 1995).
His hobbies included back-packing, fishing, hunting, boating, traveling, and photography. He was a member of Saint Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church; Knights of Columbus; American Fisheries Society; and the American Legion.
Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.
Marci, All these many years later, I’m reading of the sad loss of your hubby. I am so sorry. You have been in my thoughts over these years. All our time playing racquetball together. It was a wonderful friendship I’ve never forgotten. My prayers to you and your children. What a wonderful man. Sincerely, Kris Hunter
All I can say is what a nice man. It was always a pleasure to see him in my office. He was funny and always had a smile on his face and could tell the biggest fishing whoppers. Even when he was very sick he still had that smile. I also remember him when I was a student janitor and occasionally cleaned the floor he was on. If he was in his office he always took the time to see how I was doing and what I was up to. gosh I really liked him and was glad I could again help him at hospice as his time drew near. My deepest condolences to his lovely wife Marcie and to his family. Mike Comly
Marci, So sorry to hear about Doug. So enjoyed seeing you and Doug at church and the conversations. He will be missed. God bless.
It was a short time of knowing Doug and Marci but in that time they became wrapped around my heart. They loved telling stories of their adventurers and how much they love their kids. I enjoyed spending time with them. Sending you all love and hugs.
Marci, I love you so much and Doug meant the world to me. You are in my thoughts and prayers as is all you family. My sincerest condolences to you all .
My heart goes out to Marce and her family. I have known Doug literally all my life, and he was almost like a second father to me while I was growing up. I’ll never forget a particular fishing trip to Diamond Lake as a child with his son Robin and another Wyoming Game and Fish agent. The boat almost sank when we were out on the lake. Doug got us to shore safely, and we all had a good laugh while we waited a couple of hours for the boat to drain. I don’t remember if we caught any fish that day. Doug was one of the best men I have EVER known, and he will truly be missed. He was a great father, neighbor, and friend. Hang in there Marce, our hearts, and prayers are with you at this time…