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BRUCE MATHIS Obituary

The Pearly Gates have stepped up security! Bruce Alvin Mathis assumed his new detail on April 16, 2013 after a life rich with service to God, his country and local community. A life-long resident of El Paso , he served his country in the United States Army while stationed in Germany and afterwards receiving an Honorable Discharge. In 1960, he was commissioned into the El Paso Police Department where he served his community for 21 years. During his service, Bruce became the first African-American to be promoted to the rank of Detective in the department's history. His law-enforcement career spanned many years and agencies to include El Paso Community College , the United States Marshall's service and a Private Investigator business. He is preceded in death by his father, Ruben Smith; his mother, Frozie Mathis; brother, William Smith and sisters Betty Dixon and Bessie Smith. He is survived by his brothers, James Bason and Rev. James Smith; sister, Ophelia Harvey; brother in law Richard Dixon; children, Diana Mathis-Yellock (Gene), Bryan Mathis (Tammy), Alyson Mathis-Roberts, Leah Mathis-Peay. He has 13 grand children, 11 great grand children and 1 great-great -grand child and a "whole mess" of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 21, 2013 from 5 to 9 pm at Hillcrest Funeral Home, 1060 N. Carolina Drive . Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013 at St. Mark's United Methodist Church , 5005 Love Road at 11am followed by interment at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 1:30. Pallbearers will be members of the El Paso Police Department Honor Guard. Our deepest thanks and appreciation go out to Chief Greg Allen and the El Paso Police Department, Fort Bliss Honor Guard and Hillcrest Funeral Home for their outstanding efforts and support.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by El Paso Times from Apr. 20 to Apr. 27, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for BRUCE MATHIS

Not sure what to say?





Tiffany Foy

February 14, 2024

I haven't seen him since I was 7 years old. His mother was my grandmother's cousin. My mother's number is 2819085064 Marie Lewis.

Richard Chavarria

April 14, 2023

Hey Pops. On the anniversary of your passing just letting you know that we both miss you and each time we pass Ft Bliss cemetery we always say hey and hope that the good Lord has you save above and you are resting by peaceful waters! Trusting in Faith that you have reached your well deserved reward with Brewster and the reverend !!!

Richard and Rosa Chavarria

Tammy Mathis

April 16, 2022

Miss you Pops! Think about you often, like everyday, when I look at my hubby Bryan I see you. We enjoy your visits. You were at my son's new home the other day. Love ya!

Leah Mathis Peay

April 16, 2015

The last time we had conversation was on this day 2 years ago at 1:00 pm. Lord I thank you for the memories and the lessons you allowed this wonderful man to instill in all of us. I miss you Dad oh so much, and I see your feathers in the mist of my steps on occasion. My life has been shifted since your departure and not sure how to re-aline it at times. The tears will flow when they appear. But rest assure with God's strength I get it together. I Love you and miss you dearly.
Your baby girl.. Lu

Alyson Mathis

April 16, 2015

2 years ago today .... I miss you dad! Until we meet again "P"

Tammy Mathis

April 15, 2015

Just dropping in to say I miss you and love you. I'm taking care of your son. He misses you dearly. I've heard him cry for you many times. God will see him through troubled days. Please continue to leave us signs of your presense. We love it when we find a feather. Makes our heart smile. Love ya!

We Miss your laugher Dad.. Love you!

July 30, 2014

Leah Mathis-Peay

June 10, 2014

Dad, it's been a full year now and I still feel misplaced without you. Father's Day is coming up in 6 days and ...... Oh Dad, I love you and miss you so much..... I finished my Masters I promised you.. I am sorry I didn't do it earlier in life so you could witness the strut across the stage. Just know I had you with me on each step taken.

I love you,
Your baby girl. "Lu"

We Love and Miss you!!!

Leah Mathis-Peay

March 30, 2014

Mathis Men

Leah Mathis-Peay

March 30, 2014

March 30, 2014

I Love you and miss you sooo much Dad!

Cheryl Blanton-Chisholm

January 15, 2014

I always knew I could come to you. You are missed.

Richard and Rosa Chavarria

August 1, 2013

Pops I just found out about you leaving us so soon. I had been calling you and kept getting your favorite magic jack machine.. God broke the mold when he brought you into this world. I will truly miss you and calling you to see what new stories you had about everything. You were a blessing to Rosa and I. May you rest in peace . Our sincere condolences to your family and prayers for them. Keep a slice of square chocolate cake ready for us like the ones on the plane!!

Dad....missing your opinion and direction right now!!!! My Hero....

Lu

June 14, 2013

June 12, 2013

Pops,
I've finally gotten to where I can jot this note. I thank God for loving me enough to allow our paths to cross so that you could be there for me when my natural father couldn't. I miss our conversations and laughter. Until our paths cross again, you will live on in all of us. This weekend will be hard, although, I won't get to mail you a Fathers Day card....I send you a virtual one sealed with a kiss. Happy Fathers Day, Pops. I love and miss you.....your other daughter, Sam

Tammy Mathis

June 11, 2013

Miss visiting you, miss your laughter, miss you.

Diana Joyce Mathis-Yellock

June 10, 2013

Still missing you. I guess I always will.

Dino

Debbie Collins

June 10, 2013

I am so sorry my prayers are with you.

Leah Mathis-Peay

May 3, 2013

Oh Dad, how I will miss you dearly. The love you showed for each of us will forever be remembered. Thank you for your listening ear to God, your Love for family, direction, guidance and dicipline. Your fight for life and endurace to push through Is the backbone of this family. Thank you for our all chopped Spanish conversations up for me to understand (hahaha). Awww Dad.... Until we meet up again... With Love your baby girl... Lu! Muah...

May 3, 2013

Oh Dad, I love you so dearly. My heart is shaddered, but the foundation you left as a legacy will always be followed along with a host of wonderful memories. Thank you for your guidance, direction and discipline. Until we meet up again.... I love you Dad... your baby girl Lu

Love you big guy!

Raymond Mathis

April 26, 2013

Pops..Thank you for your service to this country, the city of El Paso, and to this family. I WILL keep my promises and continue to make you proud..

April 25, 2013

To the Family of Bruce Mathis. I knew Bruce Mathis as a fellow university law enforcement officer. We were members of the Texas-New Mexico College and University Police Association. Bruce was dedicated to his family and community. It is my sincere hope that your own memory of Bruce will keep his spirit alive. Keep God in the midst of your family.
Sincerely, Chief R.V. Stephens (Ret.)
Prairie View A&M University Dept. of Public Safety.

April 24, 2013

To the Mathis Family:
Prayers, Love and Condolences on behalf of Pastor and Sister Townsend and the Unity Missionary Baptist Church Family of El Paso, Texas.

April 23, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Joe Flores

April 22, 2013

My deepest sympathy to the entire Mathis family.

Deitra 'Dee Caine' Caine Muldrow

April 22, 2013

Dad wats left to say u added such great advice during my time in El Paso with the University of Texas~El Paso. You were just a breath of fresh air filled with laughs u will be missed by all. But no more pain suffering or worries and that is the best part. Prayers n condolenscences to my extended family allow yourselves time 2 grieve its hard work jus be gentle on urselves n kno that others care n feel ur loss.

Charlie Peer

April 22, 2013

RIP my old friend.

John Flores

April 22, 2013

I am sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to the Mathis Family.

Viki Bravo

April 22, 2013

Mr. Mathis, Although I never met you, I am very close to your daughter Leah, and she has told me so many wonderful things about you. Thank you for your services to the country and community. And thank you for raising such wonderful children, including one of my best friends. RIP Mr Mathis.

Maria Flores

April 22, 2013

I am sorry for your loss. I met Mr. Mathis at EPCC in 1985, when I started working there. He was always kind and caring. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Maria M. Flores...(previously Maria M. Evans)

April 21, 2013

It was an honor working with you in the police department and Marshall service. We had a heck of a ride!! Deepest sympathy to the family. The Q. Austin, Texas

April 21, 2013

Rest in Peace my brother. It has been an honor and privilege to have known you. You were a mentor in the PD and Marshals....

Robert Acosta Jr. (EPPD retired)

Tony, Yvonne and Sarah Costanza

April 21, 2013

Remembering your great love story today and always.

Dolores Messick

April 21, 2013

Rest in peace Moose. Thanks for your guidance and friendship.

James/Ellen Givens

April 20, 2013

We extend to the family our deepest sympathy and prayers at this time. May God bless and keep you in His Care.

Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results

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