Rev. Robert Mitchum

You were named Robert Mitchum by your parents, but to us I guess you will always be “preacher”. Although, we reverently thought of you as our pastor, the name “preacher” seemed to fit. After all, you were called to preach the gospel and you filled that calling completely. You were always faithful to tell us the truth and to preach the Word of God. I’m sure you will have many stars in your crown. You can now hear the words “well done my good and faithful servant”.

I’m sure there were times in your life that the journey was rough. I know that there were probably days that you weren’t even sure you could make it. And it was always a battle of the flesh that you kept always on your knees. Your faith I’m sure was put to the test many times and no doubt there were question about things that you didn’t understand. But today I’m sure you would tell us to keep on going and don’t give up because heaven is greater than we could ever imagine. I’m sure you would tell us it was worth every trial and test, and problem that we ever faced.

And, of course, I’m sure that you’ve seen our Lord and Saviour by now. I’m sure you knelt in reverence and awe as you stood in His presence. I’m sure your heart was thrilled to be able to look upon His beautiful face and place your hands in His precious nailed scarred hands. I’m sure there was a lot of rejoicing as you crossed over the Jordan River. And of course, the Lord was there to carry you across.

I know that you are now walking all over heaven on feet that won’t hurt any more, and I’m sure you have that brand new body that you were always talking about. No doubt you will be scouting out the area around the River of Life for a great spot for all of us from Cornerstone. You can be our guide when we get there, giving us the grand tour of your mansion and all the mansions of the great heroes of the Bible.

It may take you a while to get around to see all the friends and loved ones that you’ve known in your lifetime. No doubt you will be strolling arm in arm with your mother on the golden streets talking about the wonderful memories from times past. I’m sure you will see a lot of the old saints of God that were pray warriors and soul winners for the kingdom of heaven. The ones that were sold out for God and were never too busy to do his bidding. There will be many sights to see and people to meet.

I’m sure you can join in the heavenly choir of angels as they sing the praises of God. Their voices raised in praise is probably like nothing you have ever heard before. I’m sure your voice blends in and makes perfect harmony. Perhaps you can even play the guitar now, which is something you wished you could do. You might even have a band or you might be learning from David to play the harp. Whatever you are doing I’m sure that you are enjoying each day.

I’m sure the weather is always pleasant and warm. The heavenly breezes are probably always blowing and of course, there is always light for the Son of God is the light. The tree of life is probably beautiful and in full bloom. You can probably hear the babbling of the river as it flows from the throne of God. Perhaps you will be relaxing by the river, talking with Paul or Peter or John.

We can never imagine what heaven is really like. The scripture says it has never entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love him. So we can only speculate on what you must be seeing and doing. We know it has to be a wonderful place. But we must say it saddens us to see you leave us so soon; however, we would never bring you back to this wicked old world. You made your journey and now you have reaped your reward for being faithful.

But we will truly miss you. We’ll miss your beautiful smile and your pleasant disposition. We’ll miss your funny stories and the playful pranks that you enjoyed so much. We’ll not hear your voice raised in praise and song to the Lord. We’ll not see your loving face or feel your kiss on our cheek or forehead. We will not be able to read the bulletin that you faithfully put out each Sunday. We’ll not hear your admonitions and encouragements. But we will always feel your love. We will always know that our “preacher” loved us. And I’m sure that your prayers will follow us each day; the prayers that you prayed each day for God to give us strength to continue in His love. The prayers that asked God to help us to yield our all to him and be obedient always. We will always look back on life and know that we were all better persons because we knew our “preacher”.

We love you and miss you terribly but we will see you over yonder soon. Keep looking out across the Jordan River for some us may be coming soon. The rest of us will see you in the rapture. We love you and thank God that he allowed us the privilege to know you for a short time of life.

We’ll not say goodbye but see you later.

In loving memory

Portia

Obituary from Indianapolis Star