Harold James Mattox

FUNERAL HOME

Smith Mortuary - Derby Chapel

1415 N. Rock Rd.

Derby, Kansas

Harold Mattox Obituary

DERBY - Mattox, Harold James (Jim), died June 18, 2010. Visitation 1-8 p.m., Monday with family present 6-8 p.m., at Smith Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby. Service 11 a.m., Tuesday at First Christian Church, 201 N. Derby, Derby. Born March 19, 1930 in St. Paul, Kansas, Harold was the seventh child of George Ervin and Bertha Lucille Fickess Mattox. During the Korean War he served with the United States Air Force as a flight line mechanic. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force he brought his family to Derby, Kansas in 1956. He worked for many years in the Wichita aircraft industry as an experimental engineering mechanic working mostly in the military divisions of Boeing and Cessna Aircraft. He then spent several years working for the El Paso Water Company in Derby. In 1971 he started his own business doing lawn grading and seeding as well as other construction hauling. He was an active member of the Derby Volunteer Fire Department for 44 years, originally serving as a firefighter and later performing support functions during fires. Harold was recognized as the 2009 Firefighter of the Year. Harold was an avid fisherman and enjoyed camping and hunting in Kansas and Colorado. He loved to entertain family and friends and was well known for the picnics that he and Rosemary hosted at their cabin on the Ninnescah River. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Bertha Mattox, two brothers Dwain Mattox and Lee Mattox, and three sisters Loleta Clemmens, Helen Lewis and Wanda Yarrington. Survivors include his wife Rosemary Sharp Mattox of the home, son J. David Mattox and wife Kris of Manhattan, Kansas, daughter Sharon Mattox and husband Craig Olivier of Houston, Texas, grandsons Jeremy Alan Olivier and Zachary James Olivier, brothers Carl Mattox and wife Georgia of Cutler Bay, Florida, George Mattox of Parsons, Kansas, Bob Mattox and wife Barbara of Mound Valley, Kansas, Don Mattox and wife Janet of Savonburg, Kansas, sister-in-law Jean Mattox of Choctaw, Oklahoma, sisters Lela Hutchison of Wichita, Kansas and Wilma Wintjen and husband Ronnie of Erie, Kansas and a multitude of cousins, nieces, and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Derby Volunteer Fire Department for the restoration and maintenance of the antique fire truck known as Hose One. View tributes via www.smithfamilymortuaries.com.

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Published by Wichita Eagle from Jun. 20 to Jun. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Harold Mattox

9 Entries

Nancy Carnes

June 22, 2010

Rosemary, I was real sorry to learn about your husband's passing. He was having a hard time with his health issues but I know it will be very hard for you as you will miss him. I will be remembering you in prayer. Maybe this scripture will help you; Phil. 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strenthen me.

June 21, 2010

Aunt Rosemary (and family), so sorry to hear of Uncle Jim's passing. I wish I were able to be there for his service but unfortunately I cannot be. I will be there in spirit and prayer though. May God give you the strength to go through the next few days. We all have many memories and those help in our time of sorrow. I always remember coming there on vacations and spending time with everyone. My prayers are with you all. God Bless.

Juanita (Clemmens)Schurman (Blue Springs, MO)

June 21, 2010

Rosemary, David and Sharon: Our family will deeply miss him, his smile, stories and hard work around the cabin is truly a blessing. We are very grateful to you for your friendship throughout the years. May he live in all our hearts forever. Our prayers are with you, The Walton's

Delores McBride

June 21, 2010

Rosemary and Family,
Steve and I are very sorry for your loss. He truly was a a very sweet and dear man. Though we moved away you both are/were thought of all the time. Please let us know if you need anything. God Bless

Ron Mattox

June 21, 2010

Aunt Rosemary, Sharon and David, so sorry to hear of Uncle Jim's passing. I have many fond memories of visiting you guys in the "big city" of Derby/Wichita when we were kids. Also recall many good times when we would all gather at Uncle Georges cabin on the river for fishing and fun and also many annual pheasant hunting trips to western Kansas in the late 60"s and early 70's. Uncle Jim seemed like he never changed from my earliest memories up until the last year or so, he always looked the same with his great and easy smile and his awesome sideburns. His sweet and even demeanor never seemed to change either and you could always count on him for a smile and easy conversation. He will be sorely missed by all of the Mattox family. Peace and Love, Ron Mattox.

First Christian Church

June 21, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort, and may the love of family and friends and your faith in God and eternity with Him carry you through your grief.
From your church family and friends.

Keri (McBride) Marsh

June 21, 2010

Your family is in our hearts and prayers.

Keri (McBride) Marsh

June 21, 2010

Rosemary and family~ I am very sorry and saddened by your loss. We met Jim many many years ago when my family lived in Derby down a few houses from you. I will always remember the smile and wave he gave us every time he drove by. There will be many memories such as sitting on your front porch when it rained and when we would come and check on your dog when you went out of town or when the radio went off how he sped out of the neighborhood because of a fire or emergency. I know I could go on and on but know you and your family are in our hearts and prayers. He will be truely missed. Hugs to you all!!! Keri Marsh (McBride)

June 20, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. Grandpa Mattox was a wonderful and funny guy. I loved his sense of humor. I still have the Aggie quarter pounder that he made. He will be truly missed. You all are in my prayers.
Kelly Tyler
Houston

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