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Obituary
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Dr. Bob Gunter Mitchell, 81, died Friday October 26, 2012, at his home in Sallisaw. He was a medical doctor, nursing home owner, and a Methodist. He was born to Okla Gunter and Sam L. Mitchell on May 16, 1931, and was proud of his Cherokee heritage. He graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1949 and in 1956 graduated from the University of Oklahoma Medical School. After completing his residency and living in Henryetta for a short time, he moved his family back to his hometown of Sallisaw to start a family practice and his clinic located at the corner of Choctaw and Oak. He served as an attending physician and board member at Sequoyah Memorial Hospital and was instrumental in its growth. He loved his patients, old and young, and was devoted to their care throughout his career as a family doctor. In his love and care for the elderly he was a pioneer in the construction and development of many skilled nursing facilities and hospice care agencies across Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. He was still active in this business at the time of his death. He had a passion for horses, and at one time was a part-owner of the racetrack, Blue Ribbon Downs. He built Sunlight Farms, east of Sallisaw to be the home based facility for his breeding and racing operation of both quarter horses and thoroughbreds. Dr. Mitchell served on many boards of many organizations though his lifetime, but was very honored to serve on the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents from 1972 to 1979, serving as their president in 1978-79. While on the board, he saw growth and development of the Health Science Center, programs for the American Indians, expansion of the intercollegiate athletic activities, and hiring of legendary Coach Barry Switzer. He also served on the board of directors for the OU Health Science Center. He supported and loved his OU Sooners and still attended almost every home football game. Dr. Mitchell was formally an active airplane pilot, logging thousands of hours flying and helped with some of the early development to the Sallisaw Airport. He was also proud to contribute and help other organizations including The University of Oklahoma, Carl Albert State College and the American Cancer Society. An active sports enthusiast he loved to water and snow ski, boat, ride motorcycles, attend sporting events including the Sooners, Razorbacks, OKC Thunder, Cowboys, horse racing, and many others.
He is survived by two daughters, Angela M. Tabor of Muldrow and Dr. Marcinda Mitchell of Sallisaw, two sons, Dr. Mike Mitchell and his wife Kathy of Muldrow, and Kelly Mitchell and Dana of Plano, Texas, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and companion Ruby Brown of Roland.
He was preceded in death by his parents. | |
