Thomas H. Mathis

Thomas H. Mathis Corpus Christi , TXThomas H. Mathis, 98, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 in Corpus Christi. In his final weeks, he was surrounded by his loved ones as they reflected on his wonderful life, dedication to family, friends and community.Tom was born on August 5, 1914, in Austin, Texas, to Dr. and Mrs. Edgar Gordon Mathis. At the age of five, he moved to Corpus Christi, where he would become a lifelong resident. He graduated from Roy Miller High School and attended Texas A & M University serving in the Corps of Cadets. Tom served in World War II from 1940 to 1944. He was a Flight Officer in the Army Air Corps where he served in the 316th Troop Carrier Group. He participated in the European Theatre flying in Operation Market Garden. He was awarded the Air Medal and Campaign Medal. He was inducted into the Maxine Flournoy Third Coast Squadron Hall of Honor and the Coastal Bend Hall of Fame in September 2009.After the war, Tom returned to Corpus Christi and worked at C.C. Bank & Trust. He met Bettye Baker and they married in 1948. In 1957, Tom founded Parkdale Bank where he served as President until 1979. Tom also served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors when Parkdale merged with Frost Bank. He and Bettye enjoyed a wonderful life together with their four children, vacationing in New Mexico and Colorado. In addition to travel, Tom enjoyed boating and golfing. He was a member of the Corpus Christi Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, Parkway Presbyterian Church, and World War II Glider Pilots Association. Tom and Bettye celebrated 50 glorious years together until Bettye passed in 1998.Shortly after losing Bettye, Tom moved to Trinity Towers. There he reunited with old friends and made many new ones with residents and staff the last 13 years of his life. Tom will always be remembered for his service to his community, devotion and love for family, sense of humor and storytelling, and his fair, honest and humble ways. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his siblings, Edgar Mathis, Jr. and Juliet Mathis. He is survived by siblings Betty McCallick and Harry Mathis, cousin, Laura Olsen, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his children, Carol Mathis Field (Steve), Julia Mathis Hollocher (Robert), Janet Mathis Van Oonk (Jeffrey), and Thomas Henry Mathis, Jr. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren Robert Mathis Blount (Mandy); Allison Finch Blount; Robert Eric Hollocher; Melissa Van Oonk Garza (Felix); and Kevin Van Oonk, and three great grandchildren Samuel, Anabelle and Gabriella Garza. On Friday, October 19th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., a gathering will be held at Seaside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 4357 Ocean Drive, followed by graveside service with full military honors at 12:00 noon and a celebration of Tom's life at 2:00 at Trinity Towers. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 9400 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 1201, Dallas, TX. 75231.