Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
December 4, 1934 ~ April 14, 2021
Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr., 86, formerly of Jefferson City, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 2021, in Dallas, Texas.
Robert was born December 4, 1934 and raised in Dallas, Texas. He was the son of the late Sidney Hines and Retha Elizabeth (Shipman) Mitchell.
He was educated in the Dallas Independent Public School System. He left Dallas to study at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri where he received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1956.
Returning to Dallas, Robert taught two years at Madison High School while simultaneously working on his Master‘s degree at North Texas University (now the University of North Texas). After graduating with his master’s degree, he was invited back to Lincoln University to work as a Supervisor of Student Teaching at Laboratory High School and as an Instructor of Music.
In 1958, he married Peggy W. Brigham and to that union was born a son, Robert Lee Mitchell, Jr. He continued to teach at Lincoln University and at the Laboratory High School.
Later he took a leave of absence from the University to become Building Principal of the Laboratory High School. Robert received a sabbatical every five years from Lincoln and used the time to improve his knowledge in music education, particularly in composition, computer music, conducting, and other related courses. He taught many courses at Lincoln and moved through the ranks to ultimately reach the status of Full Professor. During his tenure at Lincoln University, he was often asked to be a choral clinician throughout the Midwest, and was also frequently requested to be Scholar in residence in many Universities throughout the country.
During the summer of 1971 he was appointed conductor of “The Little Theater of Jefferson City, Missouri'', and they performed “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” and “The Fantastiks.” Subsequent to the tour in Ireland, Robert was asked to stay on as conductor of the Little Theater for four more years while simultaneously teaching at Lincoln University. Because of that summer abroad, The Munford Singers of Ireland came to the United States to be coached by Professor Mitchell.
In 1977, he founded L.U.V.E (Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble) which immediately became very popular because of the variety of other musical obligations as well. From 1958 to late 1980’s he was the Organist-Choir Master at Grace Episcopal Church. After hiring an assistant to work as the church’s organist, Robert continued at Grace as the Director of Music. It was there he wrote a Mass that followed the liturgy. Later he wrote a variety of music that included some personalized, specifically for the birthday of renowned people such as Absalom Jones, the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church. The mass is performed every February. He also composed a variety of other works for various instrumentation some of which are performed at Grace Church for the choir and congregation. Robert was also Chairman of Student Membership in the Music Educators National Conference.
He completed his career at Lincoln by becoming interim Chairman of the Fine Arts Department and conducting the full version of Porgy and Bess. After his retirement, he was asked to conduct the Jefferson City Symphony Chorus where he performed major works for 4 years. Following that, he organized and conducted the Lincoln University Reunion Choir which met every 4 years
beginning in 2004. His last performance with this choir was October 7, 2016. The performance was in memory of his late wife, Charlene.
From 2014-2016, he was the guest organist and accompanist for soloists and special occasions at Lincoln University.
He received many awards and honors: Keeper of the Dream (Martin Luther King); Exemplary Service to Students in the Department of Arts and Science; Resolution from Missouri House of Representatives for Outstanding Leadership to Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble; Mentoring and Guidance of our students in pursuit of higher education from October Club in Detroit, Michigan; Student Government Association of Lincoln University; Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble from Legion Black Collegians, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Presidential Citations from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education; Outstanding Service Award from Lincoln University National Alumni Association; Outstanding Service to Grace Episcopal Church; Proclamation of Service to Grace Episcopal Church from Governor John Ashcroft; plaque of Appreciation from the Cork Opera Orchestra of Cork, Ireland
He held membership in the following organizations: Music Educators National Conference where he was the Chairman of Student Membership; American Choral Directors Association; Honorary Life Membership in the Irish Federation of Musicians; International Association of Jazz educators; Founding member of the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson City, Missouri; and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia of America.
Robert was the last of his siblings: three sisters and two brothers; Sidney Mitchell (Freddy Mae); Francis (Bertram) Swanson; Mildred (Oscar) Sockwell; Sarah (Morris) Thomas; William (Audrey) Mitchell. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Charlene Mitchell whom he married in 1971.
Mr. Mitchell leaves behind many people to celebrate his life. His son Robert Mitchell, Jr.; three grandsons: Anthony, Jason and Justin Devereaux and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews as well as many friends and former students.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home. Facial coverings are encouraged while in attendance.
Private family funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. Bill Nesbit officiating. The service will be live streamed for those who wish to watch from home. The link can be found on Mr. Mitchell’s obituary page under Tribute Wall at www.dulletrimble.com.
Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
Memorials are suggested to Grace Episcopal Church or Lincoln University.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home in Jefferson City is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
Robert was born December 4, 1934 and raised in Dallas, Texas. He was the son of the late Sidney Hines and Retha Elizabeth (Shipman) Mitchell.
He was educated in the Dallas Independent Public School System. He left Dallas to study at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri where he received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1956.
Returning to Dallas, Robert taught two years at Madison High School while simultaneously working on his Master‘s degree at North Texas University (now the University of North Texas). After graduating with his master’s degree, he was invited back to Lincoln University to work as a Supervisor of Student Teaching at Laboratory High School and as an Instructor of Music.
In 1958, he married Peggy W. Brigham and to that union was born a son, Robert Lee Mitchell, Jr. He continued to teach at Lincoln University and at the Laboratory High School.
Later he took a leave of absence from the University to become Building Principal of the Laboratory High School. Robert received a sabbatical every five years from Lincoln and used the time to improve his knowledge in music education, particularly in composition, computer music, conducting, and other related courses. He taught many courses at Lincoln and moved through the ranks to ultimately reach the status of Full Professor. During his tenure at Lincoln University, he was often asked to be a choral clinician throughout the Midwest, and was also frequently requested to be Scholar in residence in many Universities throughout the country.
During the summer of 1971 he was appointed conductor of “The Little Theater of Jefferson City, Missouri'', and they performed “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” and “The Fantastiks.” Subsequent to the tour in Ireland, Robert was asked to stay on as conductor of the Little Theater for four more years while simultaneously teaching at Lincoln University. Because of that summer abroad, The Munford Singers of Ireland came to the United States to be coached by Professor Mitchell.
In 1977, he founded L.U.V.E (Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble) which immediately became very popular because of the variety of other musical obligations as well. From 1958 to late 1980’s he was the Organist-Choir Master at Grace Episcopal Church. After hiring an assistant to work as the church’s organist, Robert continued at Grace as the Director of Music. It was there he wrote a Mass that followed the liturgy. Later he wrote a variety of music that included some personalized, specifically for the birthday of renowned people such as Absalom Jones, the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church. The mass is performed every February. He also composed a variety of other works for various instrumentation some of which are performed at Grace Church for the choir and congregation. Robert was also Chairman of Student Membership in the Music Educators National Conference.
He completed his career at Lincoln by becoming interim Chairman of the Fine Arts Department and conducting the full version of Porgy and Bess. After his retirement, he was asked to conduct the Jefferson City Symphony Chorus where he performed major works for 4 years. Following that, he organized and conducted the Lincoln University Reunion Choir which met every 4 years
beginning in 2004. His last performance with this choir was October 7, 2016. The performance was in memory of his late wife, Charlene.
From 2014-2016, he was the guest organist and accompanist for soloists and special occasions at Lincoln University.
He received many awards and honors: Keeper of the Dream (Martin Luther King); Exemplary Service to Students in the Department of Arts and Science; Resolution from Missouri House of Representatives for Outstanding Leadership to Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble; Mentoring and Guidance of our students in pursuit of higher education from October Club in Detroit, Michigan; Student Government Association of Lincoln University; Lincoln University Vocal Ensemble from Legion Black Collegians, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Presidential Citations from the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education; Outstanding Service Award from Lincoln University National Alumni Association; Outstanding Service to Grace Episcopal Church; Proclamation of Service to Grace Episcopal Church from Governor John Ashcroft; plaque of Appreciation from the Cork Opera Orchestra of Cork, Ireland
He held membership in the following organizations: Music Educators National Conference where he was the Chairman of Student Membership; American Choral Directors Association; Honorary Life Membership in the Irish Federation of Musicians; International Association of Jazz educators; Founding member of the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson City, Missouri; and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia of America.
Robert was the last of his siblings: three sisters and two brothers; Sidney Mitchell (Freddy Mae); Francis (Bertram) Swanson; Mildred (Oscar) Sockwell; Sarah (Morris) Thomas; William (Audrey) Mitchell. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Charlene Mitchell whom he married in 1971.
Mr. Mitchell leaves behind many people to celebrate his life. His son Robert Mitchell, Jr.; three grandsons: Anthony, Jason and Justin Devereaux and many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews as well as many friends and former students.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 2021, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home. Facial coverings are encouraged while in attendance.
Private family funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday at Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. Bill Nesbit officiating. The service will be live streamed for those who wish to watch from home. The link can be found on Mr. Mitchell’s obituary page under Tribute Wall at www.dulletrimble.com.
Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
Memorials are suggested to Grace Episcopal Church or Lincoln University.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home in Jefferson City is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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Lit a candle in memory of Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
So sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. We were privileged to know him and work with him over the years in connection with Lincoln U, Cantorum, and TLT. He was a kind and giving man, a wonderful musician, and a friend. We were blessed to know him. Carol and Carl Beach
RM, thanks for all of the laughs and fun memories over the past 20 years. I am thankful that my College Choir Director, Dr. William B. Garcia, who was also your former student, connected us. Thank you for accompanying me on my first CD. You will always remain forever in my heart. My sincere condolences to the family. ߙϰߏ½
You two had a visibly special relationship. Condolences to the family, former students and friends.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
Yes W. T., he had such a great sense of humor and was always able to lift my spirits. ߘŠ
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
To The Mitchell and Devereux Families: My heart is heavy and saddened by the recent news of the spiritual transitioning of [Dr.] Mr. Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr. who was a former professor of mine as a Vocal Music major at Lincoln University of Missouri. Needless-to-say, I would like to take this opportunity to humbly and respectfully extend my sincere prayers and heartfelt condolences to the Mitchell and Devereux families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and fans over the sudden spiritual transitioning of Mr. Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr. Rest In Heavenly Paradise, Peace, and Power, Mr. Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.!
My condolences to the family of Robert Mitchell. Mr Mitchell had a way of helping you be your best. Allen Powery
My condolences goes out to Dr. Mitchell affectionately called “Pops” family, friends and students he taught, mentored and loved. I became acquainted with him and Mrs. Mitchell when my daughter Anita enrolled as a Music/Education major at Lincoln University. She was so nervous because had to audition for the Vocal Ensemble with Dr. and Mrs. Mitchell for a scholarship she received. They said she was an awesome vocalist, for that she was grateful and so was I. Dr. Mitchell was a kind, phenomenal, loving and no no nonsense man who brought out the best in his students. Rest well “Pops” in the arms of Jesus Christ and once again thanks for being a great influence in my daughter, Anita’s life! May the blessings and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ rest upon all of you who loved him and will miss him! Cherish the gifting’s, talents , and wisdom of those God place in your life!
I used go over and clean his house on the weekends, at the time, too meticulous for my taste. Now that I am older, I still will never be the great man that he is; I used “is” in the present. He spirit will forever live in us. Thank you for blessing my life. And when you done with those “Wings”, send them back, we forgot to put hot sauce on em. Respectfully Sir, Damon Edwards
Dear Mitchell Family & Friends, Please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers for your bereavement. We cherish the memory of our dear friend and fellow Lincolnite. He was a musician at our wedding. May God bless you and keep you in His care. Prayerfully submitted, Gary & Jeanette White
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. Mitchell. I had the good fortune to be able to participate in a community Messiah Christmas performance that he conducted, and he was definitely one of the best conductors I have ever worked under. We have lost a truly gifted man.
Our eternal thanks to Maestro Robert Mitchell for his Lifework of Service in, around and thru Lincoln University and the Jefferson City Community! Additionally, he was the Musician for our Wedding at Grace Episcopal Church on 4/12/69, for which we remain grateful! Our condolences to his family and an abundance of students and friends! REST IN PEACEߙϰߏߢ٥️ߙϰߏ¿ Joe and Julie Hamilton Johnson
Mr. Mitchell was such a talented musician. Along with his leadership, he always kindly and patiently took time to work through extra practice with us in our vocal endeavors. “Music, when soft voices die, Vibrates in the memory —” ~Percy Bysshe Shelley ……With memories of appreciation for his contributions and with sympathy to his family……
Bob was a very long time friend. I admired his talent, intelligence, and personality a great deal. I worked with him on many events at LU and in the community. I will miss him. Kip Neblett
Great educator. RIP Blue Tiger. ߙϰߏ½
Mr. Mitchell, My dear twin thank you for keeping me afloat during these past few years. You truly were a force to be reckoned with. The holidays and random pop ups to see you will be memories I always hold deep in my heart. You kept me safe, and you kept me loved. Until we rekindle again. From your very own, Miss. A-Plus
April 19, 2021 Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church 415 Lafayette Street Jefferson City, MO 65101 To: The Family of Robert Lee Mitchell Family It was great sadness that we learned of Mr. Mitchell’s passing. Please accept our heartful condolences. Mr. Mitchell filled our lives with happiness and sweet feelings that we will carry in our hearts forever. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4. Mr. Mitchell was a kind and caring person. He was a great accomplished organist. He was a neighbor to me, Sandra Robinson since 1971. He was a great supporter to Quinn Chapel when I asked him to participate especially during Church Anniversary. Mr. Mitchell will be greatly missed in this community. He always greeted you with a smile and always had something jovial and kind to say to you. With our deepest sympathy, Rev. Anthony McPherson, Pastor Mrs. Sandra Robinson, Church Clerk
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
He will be miss. He was my high school principal and my high school music teacher too. I learn how to play the piano a little bit by him teaching me in high school.
Our prayers are extended to the Mitchell Family. Robert and our mother, Norma Jean Fairchild went to LU together. They remained close friends and she would always speak of the pure genius of Robert in the area of music. She sends her profound and sincere sympathies to the family! Norma Jean Fairchild Newsome Lincoln University Class of 1956 Muskegon, Michigan
Mr. Mitchell will be sadly missed and fondly remembered, having mentored and inspired countless students over the course of his career in music education. I was one of his students in the early 90s and will never forget the wisdom, patience, and generosity of spirit demonstrated daily by him and his lovely wife. He was a wonderful pianist. I admit to often asking for musical examples of obscure points of harmonic theory in a thinly-disguised bid for him to play for us in class. We loved him and we loved to hear him play. My condolences to his loved ones. -Pat Roe
My parent and us 3 boys moved next to the Mitchells in 1968. We were neighbors for 35 years. And Mr. + Mrs. Mitchell and Jeff were family to us. The Logan family hearts are truly sadden to hear that this kind and gentle man, has passed on. It gives us great pleasure to know he is tickling the ivory for a greater audience now.
I knew Mr. Mitchell when I came to LU as a student, and later when I returned as a faculty. He was loving and caring. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Being in the L.U.V.E in 1987 and going on tour was a wonderful way to learn about the man, myth, and legend. We would get to various places and the amount of respect Pops would get was admirable. He was a larger than life man. He was also the fairest man I’ve ever met. Beethoven, Bach, and Brahms. I’ll miss him.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
This is the last picture I took with Mr Mitchell. I shared a lot of wonderful memories with both he and Mom dating back to fall of 1969. I could write a book and why not Pop was an outstanding man who will remain near and dear to my heart for ever
When I didn’t have the ability to encourage myself, Mr. Mitchell would always encourage me to be better and have faith in my abilities musically. Being able to learn anything about music and life from him was an honor. If you had the honor to know Mr. Mitchell, consider yourself blessed. He will be greatly missed. Rest in heaven Mr. Mitchell.
Lit a candle in memory of Robert Lee Mitchell, Sr.
Thank you Pops for blessing us with your gift of music. Rest in Heaven my SINFONIAN BROTHER SLIBF
I did my Practice Teaching under Mr. Mitchell in the Lincoln University High School, and I sang in the Alumni University Choir under his direction in 1958, my 50th Class Reunion, Frederick (Pierre Langlois) Ervin
To the family of Mr. Robert Mitchell, we pray for your comfort at the passing of your dear loved one. Along with many others, we cherish the times we shared in his classes along with singing under his direction in the University Choir. May he rest in Heavenly peace. Dr. Don and Mrs. Wilma R. Cook
My deepest condolences to the family. I hope and pray that you will be uplifted from all the love and expressions conveyed by so many who loved Mr. Mitchell so. All I can say is thank you Lord for blessing so many of us with the life, and indominable spirit of your son Mr. Robert L. Mitchell. When I met him, I loved him instantly. What fond memories we share. I know we will meet again dear sir, see you in heaven, dearest Professor Emeritus of Lincoln University Mr. Robert L. Mitchell, rest in peace.
You were my teacher, mentor, employer, friend and family. You shared your family, you car :-), your knowledge, you wisdom, your friends and even you home. You trusted me with a lot. Thank you…for everything. I miss you, Pops.
Robert Mitchell- my teacher, advisor and eventually friend. You will be missed but your legacy will continue not just in the history of the LU music department but in the lives of those ypu taught, encouraged and mentored. I am grateful that I had an opportunity to have a final chat with you. Sympathy and prayers to your family. Janet Fowler Underwood
Mitchell Family, We are deeply sorry to hear about Robert’s passing. As you grieve, please know that all of us in the UNT College of Music are remembering and honoring his time as a Music Education major at our university. As we celebrate the impact Robert had on the UNT College of Music and the graduating class of 1958, we send our most heartfelt condolences to your family. Robert will be missed dearly and remembered fondly. We are here for you during this difficult time. Please do not hesitate to reach out. Sent with love and remembrance from Dean John W. Richmond, the College of Music Development Office, and the entire UNT College of Music.
Prayers and condolences to the family and friends on the passing of Mr. Mitchell. He was adored by fellow Lincolnites who knew him. I also was roommates with his nephew, Danny Henderson, Jr. when he was briefly at Lincoln University (MO) during the ’98-’99 academic year. Mr. Mitchell will be dearly missed by all who knew and met him, especially by his LU family.