C. C. "Chet" Mathis







C. C. "Chet" Mathis, 92, a longtime resident of Parsons, died at 3:10 p.m., Sunday, December 7, 2008, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Etta and Dwaine Watson, in Parsons, where he had lived for the past four years. He had been in failing health.
He was born August 2, 1916, on the family farm near DeLeon, Texas, a son of William Walker Mathis and Clara (McKemie) Mathis. He grew up and attended rural DeLeon schools, graduating from Comyn High School in 1936.

He and Wynell Salter were married September 11, 1937, in Eastland, Texas. Following their marriage, he worked on the family farm until 1941, when he was employed with the M-K-T Railroad in DeLeon, Texas. In January, 1942, he was transferred with the railroad to Parsons, where he and his wife made their home. For 35 years, he worked as a brakeman for the railroad, retiring on October 5, 1976. His wife preceded him in death December 31, 1985.

He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church; the Elk's BPOE Lodge No. 527; Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Parsons; the United Transportation Union and the National Association of Retired Veteran Railway Employees. He was also a 62-year member of the Parsons Lodge #117, A.F. & A.M.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening and working in his yard. He also enjoyed watching sports on television and had played basketball and football while in high school. In earlier years, he liked to bowl and had belonged to several local bowling leagues. His hobbies were playing cards and dominoes.

SURVIVORS: One Daughter – Mary Etta Watson and her husband, Dwain Parsons One Grandson – Gregory B. Neal and his wife, Robin Tampa, FL Two Great-Grandchildren – Bryan and Taylor Neal Tampa, FL Two Step-Grandsons – Donald Watson Parsons Douglas Watson and his wife, Cynthia Wichita Two Step-Great-Grandchildren – David and Rachel Watson Wichita Three Sisters-in-law – Olene Mathis Dublin, TX Ruby Mathis DeLeon, TX Mary Stroud Jefferson City, MO Several Nieces and Nephews

He was also survived by his faithful little dog, Maggie.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant son, William Chester Mathis; two sisters and four brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience after 1:00 p.m., Tuesday.

Memorials are suggested to either the Wesley United Methodist Church or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.