Harold Mitchell Mangum

Harold Mitchell Mangum, 85, died Saturday, November 26, 2016 following a brief illness.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Gene Everett Mangum; his brother W.R Mangum; his sister Zelda Mangum Veale and is survived by his wife of 16 years, Sylvia Gaspard Mangum; his son, Butch Mangum and his wife Debbie Mangum of Houston, TX; his daughter, Cassie Mangum Smith and her husband David Smith of Fields, LA; his sister, Nannie Prestwood of Magee, MS; stepsons Choppy Guillotte of Los Angeles, CA and Kenny (Lindsey) Guillotte of Sulphur, LA and step-daughter Karen (Mike) Sanders of Lake Charles, LA; eleven grandchildren; four great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many, many close friends.

Harold was born in Magee, MS on December 12, 1930, the son of Jesse Mitchell and Maggie Maddox Mangum. He spent his early years living in Magee, MS and Gulfport and Biloxi, MS, graduating from Biloxi High School in 1948.  In the 3 years following his graduation from high school, Harold began his 65 plus year career in the funeral industry by working for Mims Mitchell Funeral Home in Magee, MS. In 1952, Harold and Gene were married and moved to Dallas where Harold attended and graduated with honors from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. Upon graduation, Harold and Gene moved to Lake Charles, LA where he began working for J.E. Hixson and Sons as a licensed funeral director and embalmer. His passion for the funeral business and those he served in his profession and ministry continued in various capacities and locations for the next 62 years. He not only took immense pride in his profession but truly relished the friends he made during his time of service. Over the years, his expertise and reputation in the funeral industry led him to various teaching positions and recognition as a leader in his field.

 Harold enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting, and in his younger days shrimping with his family. Harold also enjoyed photography and collaborated with Nola Mae MacFillin Ross in compiling and publishing a series of books highlighting homes of Southwest Louisiana. He served on various boards and committees at University United Methodist Church of Lake Charles.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 29, 2106 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at Johnson Funeral  Home and from 10:00AM until 1:00PM, Wednesday November 30, 2016 at University United Methodist Church. The service celebrating Mr. Mangum’s life will be in the sanctuary of University United Methodist Church at 1:00PM, Wednesday November 30, 2016. Internment will be at Highland Memory Gardens.

The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to University United Methodist Church, Christ the King Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Gerry Hebert and the Unit 41 Staff of Christus St. Patrick Hospital for their compassionate care.