Raymond Gayle Mathis, age 88, of Lincoln, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2018. Ray was born December 10, 1929, in rural Greenwood to Elmer E. and Elsie June (Brown) Mathis. He graduated in 1947 from Waverly High School. On June 1, 1952, he married Marilyn A. Wehrmann at rural Trinity Lutheran Church near Murdock, Nebraska. To this union of 66 years, two beautiful daughters were born, Shelley and Linda.
A Korean War Vet, Ray proudly served on the American Legion and the VFW Honor Guards. He was a very faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church and School here in Lincoln, serving his Lord in various helpful positions. Ray worked for the Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company for 43 years before retiring, and then volunteered at the telephone museum. Being a Husker, he worked on the University of Nebraska event staff for several years. In his spare time, Ray loved going and watching the various sports or activities his children and grandchildren were participating in.
Ray was husband to Marilyn; dad and father-in-law to Shelley (Greg) Kurtzer of Lincoln and Linda (Gordon) Edmison of Mayer, Minnesota; grandpa to Anne (Matt) Duchek of Lincoln, Kelly (Jeremy) Dawson of Omaha, Amanda Edmison of Mankato, Minnesota, Amy Edmison of Mayer, and Dustin Edmison of Mayer; great-grandpa to Joshua and Alexis Dawson of Omaha, and Emma and Liam Duchek of Lincoln. He loved all his dogs from Barfy to Louise, all dachshunds. He is survived also by his brother Dale Mathis of Alpine, Texas, and nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Eileene and Albert Kennedy, his sister-in-law Del Mathis, and nephew Gerry Kennedy.
His name will never show up in the history books, but you couldn’t find a better man. Ray loved to collect and explore things from the past. Loyal and smart, but he couldn’t carry a tune for anything! Every song he sang in church was on the same note, but at least he was singing out, his faith strong and sure.
“I have lost the love of my life.” – Marilyn
Service: 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 18, 2018 at Faith Lutheran Church, 8701 Adams St., Lincoln. Visitation: 3-6 p.m. Sunday, June 17, at Trump Funeral Services , 1600 West O Street, Lincoln and one hour before services at the church Monday. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers will be Jerry Tice, Kent Kurtzer, Jeff Harris, Guy Clemens, Derek Mathis, Matt Brodd, Matt Duchek, Jeremy Dawson. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the American Legion Post #3, V.F.W. Post #131, and V.F.W. Post #3606 honor guards.
Memorials in honor of Ray are designated to the following: Faith Foundation School Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund, American Legion Honor Guard, and the VFW Honor Guard. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com
Funeral arrangements are being provided by Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln.
So sorry for the loss of Mr. Mathis. Please take comfort in the hope for the future, when no one will say, “I am sick,” and even their flesh will become a fresher than in youth. (Isaiah 33:24; Job 33:25) With sympathy,
Marilyn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to your entire family. I will keep you in my prayers for peace and comfort.
Marilyn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to your entire family. I will keep you in my prayers, asking for peace and comfort for your entire family.
Marilyn, Shelley and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. (John 11:25; Psalm 27:1)
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family and I pray that you can find comfort and peace in the love and memories you share of Raymond. May God comfort you and surround you with love during this difficult time.
I remember Dad and Mom and Grandpa and Grandma Mathis trekking to Seward to be faithful fans for their daughter’s and granddaughters’ athletic events. They were faithful in that calling as he was in all his other callings–to family, church, country and community. May God bless you and continue to hold you all in the palm of his hand.
Thank you Professor Goldgrabe for your kind words. It has been very difficult last 2 weeks for our family! In our hearts we know the joy dad is experiencing in Heaven with Jesus.
Thank you again,
Linda