Chad Leslie Mathis

Chad Leslie Mathis was deeply loved as he entered into this life July 6, 1975, and cherished by many friends and family as he returned to his Eternal Life on October 15, 2024, at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center in Dallas, Texas. Born the second son to Alan (Chip) Mathis and Sue (Nowels) Mathis. He grew up in Elkhart, Iowa, where he participated in Little League and many country-life adventures. After his years of service, he lived, loved, and was well cared for in Plano Texas.

Early in his life he exhibited his charming quick wit and hilariously dry humor. It was that beautiful attribute, along with his Mathis persistency, and the loving positive presence of his beloved wife Lisa, that carried him courageously through a long battle with cancer. He was a favored patient of many medical personnel from Mayo Clinic to a host of hospitals and health clinics in the Dallas area. In the midst of fighting off the effects of cancer, he cheered on all those who knew him.

Chad cultivated deep friendships with his family and friends everywhere he went. People adored his distinctive laugh and unique facial expressions. He enjoyed collecting guitars, tinkering with building a guitar, and liked playing guitar with his ‘Bro’ Robert Ellis. He shared a ‘near twin,’ bond with seventeen days younger cousin, Dave Mathis.

He was always trying to learn new things., many self-taught. His formal education history includes:

• St. John's Military School - graduated with honors as Battalion Commander and President of the National Honors Society.

• United States Navy -May 2001 to June 2006- Hospital Corpsman Third Class

• Collin County Community College - Associate of Science Summa Cum Laude

• The University of Texas at Dallas - Bachelors of Science in Economics Cum Laude

He was an adoring uncle, and a beautiful woodworker. It was an honor to be the recipient of one of his woodworking projects. He loved red velvet cake, admired Star Wars, but he enjoyed his nieces and nephews the most.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve her!” Chad often remarked, expressing his steadfast gratitude for his wife of seventeen years, Elisabeth Ann (Rocka) Mathis. The tenderness and appreciation they had for one another, was extended to all they knew.

Memorial services, and celebrations of how Chad touched our lives, will be held.

• November 2, 2024, at the Elkhart Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Elkhart, Iowa, at 11:00 AM. Pastor Joel Aurand will officiate.

• Military Honors Burial at 12:15 in the Elkhart Cemetery

• Visitation and fellowship lunch following the Burial back at the church

• The Dallas Service will be held on November 11, 2024, at Sojourn Church in Carrollton, Texas, at 3:00 PM. Pastor Chris McRae officiating.

Chad is survived by his wife, Lisa Mathis, father Chip Mathis, mother-in-law Sandy Rocka, father-in-law Tommy and Sharla Rocka, brother Chris and Amy Mathis, brother-in-law, Josh and Roxanne Rocka, nieces Mackenzie and Jordan Dowell, Zoey Rocka, nephews Trevor Mathis (and Harley Rose) and Oliver Rocka and great nephews Elijah and Easton Dowell and great niece, Ellamarie Dowell, and two beautiful feline friends, Biscuit and Gravy.

Chad is preceded in death by his mother Sue Mathis, grandparents Robert and Norlaine Nowels, R.C. and Dorothy Mathis, and a beloved feline companion, Tom.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to::

Samaritan's Purse U.S Disaster Relief: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/nam/#donation

Fisher House: https://fisherhouse.org

Gentle Shepherd Children’s Home and Bright Future’s Academy: https://ilsministries.com/