Harold E. Mathis

Harold E. Mathis, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes on November 15, 2025, at the age of 94 in Niles, Michigan. Born on November 10, 1931, in Booneville, Mississippi, Harold was the beloved son of the late Walter P. and Zula Mable (Murphy) Mathis.
Harold's life was a testament to the values of kindness, love, and selflessness. He grew up surrounded by a large and loving family, and though he was preceded in death by his brothers, William, James, and Dwayne Mathis, as well as his sisters, Lerlene "Jo" Schroeder and Mary Brack, he is fondly remembered by his surviving siblings, Mac Mathis of Texas, Tony (Nancy) Mathis of Arkansas, and sister Barbara Bolin of Dowagiac. Their shared memories are a treasure trove of joy and familial bonds that continue to inspire the extended family.
On December 23, 1950, Harold married the love of his life, Wilma Pauline "Polly" Tenpenny, in a ceremony filled with love and hope in Rossville, Georgia; The couple celebrated seventy-five years of love and a lifetime committment. Their union was blessed with two devoted children, David (Carla) Mathis and Donna Wild, both of Niles. Harold was a doting grandfather to six grandchildren and an adoring great-grandfather to fourteen great-grandchildren. His legacy of kindness and love lives on through them.
Harold was a man of faith and fellowship, dedicated to the Niles Church of Christ, where he found solace and strength in his Christian beliefs. His work ethic was unparalleled, having spent twenty-five years with Kawneer and running both his vacuum store in Niles and Mathis Cleaning Services for nearly twenty-five years as well as he worked at Martin's Supermarket part-time for twenty-five years. His professional and personal lives were characterized by integrity and dedication.
Beyond his entrepreneurial spirit, Harold was a man who relished the simple pleasures of life. He found joy in vegetable gardening, tending to his cows and ponies, and was an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals fan. Harold's love of the outdoors was evident in his enjoyment of camping, bird watching, and spending time in nature. He was an avid traveler, especially cherishing trips to Tennessee to visit family.
Harold's life was rich with experiences and relationships, and he will be remembered for the warmth and care he extended to everyone he met. His presence was a comfort, his laughter a balm, and his love a beacon for those who had the privilege to know him. His greatest gift was living a good life with his family and the greatest example of a Christian life, loving nature, generous smiles and open heart.
Memorial contributions may be made in Harold's memory to Shults-Lewis Children's Home at 325 S 150 E. Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Niles Church of Christ 1515 Huron Street in Niles with a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. An interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.
Memories of Harold may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.
As we say farewell to Harold E. Mathis, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a legacy of love that will continue to echo through the generations. He has left an indelible mark on the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were touched by his gentle spirit. Harold's journey on earth may have come to a close, but the memories he created will remain forever cherished and never forgotten.