Ernest Gene Mathis

“Ernie”was born on June 16, 1942 in Wardell, Missouri and preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Hazel Mathis. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, who he was devoted to for 33 years. He was a loving father to Lisa Miller (Steve), Kimberly Ray (Luther) and Scott Mathis (Andrea). He loved his grandchildren, Jessica Beck (Charlie), Brittney Hoyle (Woody), Zachary Miller (Kathryn) Addison Lizine (Nikolaus), Sydney Mathis and Cameron Mathis, and took great pride in their accomplishments. He also had 3 great-grandchildren - Grey Richards, Reina Hoyle, and Willow Beck who he did not get to spend enough time with during his illness.

Dad was hard-working and dedicated, and traveled a lot during his career. He spent 4 years proudly serving in the United States Airforce during the Vietnam War working as a Air Force Mechanic, where he received the Blue Fox Award for being the most outstanding airman in March of 1966.

He moved on to work for Bechtel Construction for 35 years where his biggest accomplishment was helping with the building of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. He retired to the country in Waxhaw, NC where he spent his retirement years traveling with his brother and best friend, Ben Mathis (deceased), and sister-in-law, Carolyn Mathis. He dearly loved his nephews, Bill Mathis (Pam) and Gary Mathis (Stephanie).

The past 4.5 years were spent in Baton Rouge, LA with his daughter, Lisa and son-in-law, Steve.

Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions which included fishing, traveling, reading, woodworking, drinking good whiskey, listening to all kinds of music and watching westerns. He loved all kinds of animals and always had many dogs!

His family will miss him dearly but know he is suffering no more.

A private burial service will be held on May 14, 2025 at Port Hudson National Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of the Animals, Baton Rouge, LA.