Gary Louis Mathis

Gary Louis Mathis, 84

CHAPMAN - Gary Louis Mathis, age 84, of Chapman, Nebraska passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 23, 2023, at CHI St. Francis Medical Center.

Gary was born July 4, 1939, in Grand Island and grew up on the family farm in St. Libory. He attended St. Libory Catholic School through the eighth grade and graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1956. He attended Kearney State College (now the University of Nebraska-Kearney) for two years, before leaving to help with the family after his father's death. Gary later enlisted in the Army National Guard and served for 6 years.

Early in his professional career, Gary worked for the City of Grand Island Building Department. In April 1972, he became the Building and Zoning Administrator for Merrick County, a position he held for over 32 years until his retirement in August of 2004.

In his free time, Gary enjoyed remodeling houses, camping and fishing with friends, and dancing. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Island. Gary also had an affinity for fixing and repairing bicycles, operating a bike repair shop for many years. When he was younger, Gary enjoyed boxing. He was a two-time Golden Gloves champion in 1960 and 1963, and later trained youth for several years.

Gary had a strong personal belief in public and community service. Reflective of this, he was actively involved in numerous organizations throughout his life. Professionally, Gary was a leading member of the Nebraska Planning and Zoning Association (NPZA), serving as its president in the late 1990s. He was also influential in setting statewide policy, serving as a long-time member of NPZA's Planning and Zoning Legislative Committee that guided legislative policy on planning and zoning in Nebraska. Gary was also an active member of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, serving as the Central District Programming Official. He also regularly presented at conferences to educate others about planning and zoning issues across the state. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Gary was the 2005 recipient of the NPZA President's Award of Special Recognition for his outstanding service to the organization and planning and zoning in the state, and for his mentorship of members.

Gary was an active member of Parents without Partners and headed the local chapter for several years. He also served as the Zone Administrator from 1987 to 1988. In recognition of his contribution, he received an Outstanding Service Award in 1988. Later in life, Gary found enjoyment volunteering with the Orphan Grain Train, a non-profit organization that gathers and shares donations of clothing, medical supplies, food, Christian literature, and other aid with those in need across America and around the world. Gary could often be found in the Grand Island facility boxing up goods for shipment to those in need in lands near and far.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Genevieve (Roepker) Mathis; infant sister, Bonita Mathis; brother, Leon Mathis; sister in-law, Janice Mathis; nephew, Tim Mathis; very dear friend, Virginia "Ginny" Stevens. He is survived by his brother, Dean Mathis, and sister, Sharon Mathis, both of Grand Island; son Greg Mathis of Minneapolis, Minnesota, daughter Jill Mathis of Englewood, Colorado, and daughter Kyla Lilienthal and husband Ryan of Grand Island; grandchildren, Presley, Taylan, and Cash Lilienthal; and nieces and nephews, Mike (Linda) Mathis and Lisa (Daron) Bean.

Visitation is on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 5:00-7:00 PM at All Faiths Funeral Home, 2929 South Locust Street in Grand Island. Funeral services are Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 10:00 AM, also at the funeral home. Following the burial, a reception is being held at the Chapman Community Center in Chapman.

In lieu of plants, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences and memories shared with the family at www.giallfaiths.com.