Joseph "Joe" Thomas MATHIS

JOSEPH THOMAS MATHIS, son of Isaac Sterling Mathis and Mary Elizabeth Williams Mathis, was born February 7, 1938, in Flat, Missouri, and entered his Heavenly home on November 22, 2014, at the age of seventy-six years.

Joe, as he was known to family and friends, graduated from Newburg High School in 1956, After graduation, he went on to attend Gulf Coast Bible College in Houston, Texas, where he attended from 1959 until 1961. He made many friends during this time and treasured the relationship he shared with each of them.

In 1961, Joe returned home and enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served our country until his honorable discharge in 1963.

On December 21, 1963, Joe was united in marriage with the love of his life, Emogene Townsend. To this union was born two sons. Prior to Joe?s passing, he and Emogene had shared fifty years of love and wonderful memories together.

Joe pastored several churches over the years, sharing the word of God and his testimony. He pastored in St. Robert, St. Charles, and Salem, Missouri, returning to Lebanon in 1999, when he retired. Joe touched many lives through his ministry and lived his life as a devout Christian servant.

Exercise and healthy living was very important to Joe. He especially enjoyed swimming. Joe also ran an herb shop out of his home to encourage others to live healthy too. Joe?s other hobbies included tinkering in his shop, listening to gospel and blue grass music and camping. However, nothing compared to the time spent and laughter shared with his family.

He leaves to celebrate his memory, his wife Emogene; one son, Steve Mathis and his wife Jada of Lebanon, MO; one brother, Don Mathis and his wife Londa of Flat, MO; one sister, Bertha Hodge and her husband Herman of Rolla, MO; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leland and Pat Townsend, Alene and Clifford Pitts, and June Mathis; two grandchildren, Nate and Thomas Mathis; other relatives, church family and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bob Mathis and one son, Scott Lee Mathis, who passed away in 1992, which was a devastating loss to the entire family.



Those who knew Joe will forever cherish the memories they shared. He loved unconditionally and shared a special kindness with everyone he came in contact with. Our loss was certainly Heaven?s gain.


IN LOVING MEMORY
JOSEPH THOMAS MATHIS

BORN
February 7, 1938

PASSED AWAY
November 22, 2014

SERVICE
10:30 A.M., Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Shadel?s Colonial Chapel

MINISTERS
Brother Dors Wilson
Brother T.J. Brown

SPEAKER
Brother Jim Bailey

MUSIC
Betty Lathrop
Judy Pierce
Delores Bailey
Jada Mathis

ESCORTS
Kevin Mathis
Donnie Mathis
Douglas Hodge
Travis Townsend
Phillip Pitts
Michael Pitts

HONORARY ESCORTS
Luke Hodge
Brian Mathis
Keith Mathis
Lynn Mathis
Bobby Mathis

RESTING PLACE
Smith Cemetery