William Madison "W. M." Matheny

Obituary of William Madison " W. M." Matheny

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William Madison Matheny, 99, of Bastrop, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at The Columns Assisted Living in Bastrop, Louisiana.

Mr. Matheny was born September 21, 1926, in Mangham, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary Louise Gregory Matheny, his parents Claude and Katie Matheny, his granddaughter Elizabeth Hairston, brothers Selby Matheny, Thomas Matheny, Claude Matheny, and Lynwood Matheny, and sisters Thelma Randall and Barbara (Bobbie) Rawls.

He is survived by his daughters Cynthia Carnes and husband Wally, Donna White and husband Bryan, Susan James and husband Gordon, Kathy Grieb and husband Allen, son Scott Matheny, granddaughters Nicole Hairston, Jennifer Polk, Anna Zeigler, Jessica Griffin, grandsons Aaron Grieb, Austin Grieb, Dr. Zachary White, Marshall Matheny, Jacob Matheny, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Mr. Matheny was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was an avid duck hunter and fisherman until his health no longer allowed it. He was a longtime member of Central Church of Christ in Bastrop where he served as a deacon for many years and was currently a member at Naff Avenue Church of Christ. Mr. Matheny was in the U.S. Navy from 1945 and was offered an appointment with the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, but instead decided to sail the world with the Merchant Marines. Together with his brothers, he managed Matheny Bros. Grocery & Market in Log Cabin where he spent many happy years.

It is difficult to summarize a life that spanned a century. Mr. Matheny enjoyed visiting with his family and his many friends and often recalled his childhood years during the Great Depression, his memories of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, his time aboard Merchant Marine ships, and the many years that followed in Log Cabin Community where he settled and raised his family. He had a servant's heart and always profusely thanked God for his family when he led them in prayer. Mr. Matheny would want to be remembered for his love and devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The world was a better place because of William M. Matheny.

Visitation will be at Golden Funeral Home in Bastrop from 5:00pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, March 27, 2026. Funeral service will be held at 10:00am Saturday, March 28, 2026, in the chapel of Golden Funeral Home, with Bro. Joe Nichols and Dr. Zachary White officiating.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Zachary White, Aaron Grieb, Austin Grieb, Bryan White, Allen Grieb, and Marshall Matheny. Honorary pallbearers will be Gordon James, Terry Tanksley, Dan Robertson, Mike Williams, Charles Matheny, Edward Malone, Alan Nichols, and Mark Nichols.

The family would like to thank Dr. William Ross of M.D. Anderson, Dr. Harry Hawthorne, Passages Hospice, and all of the caring staff at The Columns of Bastrop. We wish to give thanks to a special caregivers, Pat McIntyre (who he considered another daughter) and Lavelle Blakeley for their care of our father. We would also like to thank the loyal customers of Matheny Grocery whom it was a privilege to serve throughout the years. The Matheny family would like to express their gratitude to Jenny and Ed Malone for their years of dedication to Matheny's Grocery and family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Naff Avenue Church of Christ at 3955 Naff Ave. Bastrop, LA, and to the Southern Christian Home at 100 W. Harding St., Morrilton, AR 72110, or the charity of your choice.