Renwick Mitchem

Renwick Lemont Mitchem was born April 22, 1962, in Kansas City, Kansas to Emmitt and Loisteen Mitchem.  On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Renwick transitioned peacefully from his earthly body to his final resting place, surrounded by family.  Renwick was preceded in death by both parents, paternal grandparents: Tiney and Mattie (Byers) Mitchem, and maternal grandparents: Clyde and Rheaber (Bruce) Hammonds.

Renwick attended Emmanuel Lutheran School and graduated from Grandview High School, where he was a member of the track and basketball teams. He was very competitive, no matter if it was sports, checkers, pool, or cards.  He also had a love for riding bicycles for short and long distances, and often raced in S.A.C. 20 events and any other bicycle race he could participate in. As a young boy, Renwick was very inquisitive and spent a lot of time in the garage, making things, taking them apart, and figuring out what made them tick.  He worked on various projects, from building giant speakers to making a lamp from scrap parts. It’s no surprise that throughout his life, he wore many hats, from his professional career as an electrician to a carpenter, mentor, confidant, and entrepreneur.

Upon graduation from high school, Renwick attended NEKA Vocational Training School and received an Electrician Certification.  For over 30 years, he mastered his craft while working across residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems for MC Realtors, B-Mar and Associates, and Facility Service Management.

Renwick was an avid Chiefs and Royals fan.  He also loved to travel and spend time with family and friends, especially during the holidays.  Renwick loved his vehicles and had plenty of them over the years. He also had a passion for Invicta watches, antique cars, model cars, and trains.  He once built a model train village, so large that it took up half of his garage.

Renwick accepted Christ at an early age at Mariah Walker A.M.E. Church. Later, he joined the Second Missionary Baptist Church with his parents and sisters.  He joined Calvary Chapel C.O.G.I.C. with his former wife. Most recently, he accepted the call to join the Trinity Temple C.O.G.I.C., with his sister Nicole.  Until his health started to decline, Renwick was always an active and faithful member wherever he was.   He was always willing to lend a hand, whether it was to his family, church, community, or a friend in need.  He found a special joy in coordinating the Toys for Tots campaign, helping with the food giveaway, and mentoring others, especially youth.

Winky, as he is affectionately known, had many names of endearment, including Ren, Mitch, Little Brother, Roadie, and Uncle Mitch.  He was a kind and generous soul who was loved and respected by many. He leaves to cherish his memories: Two sisters: Valerie Jones (Michael) of Kansas City, MO and Nicole Mitchem of Grandview, MO, nephew: Anthony Jordan Jr. of Allen, TX, niece: Christina Jordan of Blue Springs, MO, Great-niece: Essance Jordan, Great-nephew: Isaiah Jordan, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives, and friends.