He was an electrician, carpenter, and plumber.
He was a member of Cedar Creek Free Will Baptist Church.
Ernest was the definition of a Godly man; one who spread the Gospel through his words and actions. He was a master tradesman, teaching his three sons, and later his daughter-in-law, all he knew.
Ernest served in Vietnam, earning the Purple Heart. He was a strong-willed man who didn’t let anything stop him from accomplishing what he wanted to do.
After retirement, he enjoyed spending all his days on the farm with his family. He loved his friends and family very much, but most importantly, God. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years: Kathleen Mathes; three sons: John Parrish Mathes, Todd Andrew Mathes, and Spencer Carey Mathes and his wife, Savannah; grandchildren: Cory Ryan Mathes, Micah Kade Mathes, Dallas Ball; one brother: Dennis Mathes; several nieces and nephews; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and his best friend: “Goose”, the basset hound.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Susan Mathes; parents: Lola and Leila Mathes; two brothers: Bobby Mathes and I.J. Mathes; and two sisters: Mary Sue Reedy and Veneda Lowery.
The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.
The funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel with Pastor John Daughtery and Pastor Rick Parvin officiating.
