Johnnie Jack Mathis

Johnnie Jack Mathis was born on March 1st, 1954 at Prairie Grove, AR, to Arthur and Vada (Crittenden) Mathis. He was raised in a household with one brother and one sister, Jean Mathis and Linda Kay Mathis. He was a third generation and lifelong resident of Proctor. Early in life he became interested in cattle and horses. He had the ability to let the horses know what he expected of them while they were in training. He was a horse whisperer that could get the most stubborn animal to understand. He earned his living working at Baldor Electric, a job he held for many years. When he wasn’t working, you could find Johnnie tinkering in the shop, either on a small engine, electrical work or plumbing, Johnnie could fix it, no problem! He loved to get on his tractor and brush hog or plow for hours on end. There was always a little fishing and hunting, or working in the garden. He liked to knock on the door of his best friend, Dub Craig, and they would head off towards the sales, and would return in the evening, with a truckload of collectibles, and would then set about selling their newest treasure. Any kid that wandered onto the farm for the day was treated to the fun of a day’s work on the farm. The reward would be a trip to Tyner or Baron Fork Creek for a chance to swim or a cookout. The yearly vacations to Branson were the highlight of the year. The whole family went and the laughter could be heard for blocks! He loved and adored his family, often voicing an opinion on everything from their hair to the pants they wore. He never tired of the family farm, it was here he was truly happy. His health began to fade and he passed from this life on May 18th, 2024, at his home, surrounded by the people he loved so much. Johnnie was 70 years old and leaves a chair at the table that will never be filled.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, George Washington and Georgia (Bailey) Mathis and Jack and Mary (Brantly) Crittenden. He joins his beloved wife, Ella Mae Fields who died on March 3rd, 2023, his mother and father and his uncle George Mayes.

Those left to celebrate his life include his sons, Jonathan Mathis and companion Bryttany Philpott (Odie) of Proctor, Justin Mathis, Jessie Mouse and Greg Fields all of Proctor, and his brother and sister, Jean Mathis and Linda Kay Mathis and companion Edward Fields all of Proctor, OK. He will live on in his eight grandchildren, Brooklynn Mathis, Allison Mathis, Jean Mathis, JT Mathis all of Proctor, Avery Mathis of Stilwell, Braden Mouse of Arkansas and Gabriella and Anthony Fields of Tahlequah. He also leaves nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Johnnie Jack Mathis will be conducted on Friday, May 24th at 2:00 PM at Proctor Community Church with Pastor Rod Chuculate officiating. Musical selections will be provided by Allison Mathis, Pastor Jerry Gatewood and Cecil and Ricky Kindle. He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Ella Mae Fields and other deceased family members, at Proctor Cemetery.

Pallbearers for Johnnie include Kris Mouse, DJ Fields, Johnnie Manus, Scott Craig, Doo Reese, and Kirk Reese. Honorary Pallbearers include Jason Baldridge, Corey Marquis, Jimmy Wilburn, Jean Mathis, JT Mathis, Dan Kirk, Billy Gibson, and Danny Deckard.