Obituary of James Mathews

James Henry Mathews Funeral services for James Henry Mathews of Elsberry, MO were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2004 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Rev. Connie Atchley, pastor of the Elsberry First Christian Church, officiated with burial in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. Serving as pallbearers were Timothy Mathews, Patrick Mathews, Cary Trentmann, Sonny Taylor, Gene Robinson, Floyd Ellison, Kathleen Trentmann, and Ed Ketterer. Mr. Mathews, 81, died Monday evening, January 5, 2004 at Lincoln County Medical Center in Troy, MO. Born December 6, 1922 in Mobile, AL, he was the son of the late Lester E. and Jeannette Elizabeth Stietz Mathews. He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army from November 27, 1942 until February 1, 1946. He was united in marriage on April 17, 1953 in St. Louis, MO to Cecelia Rosalie Ann DeKeersgieter. She preceded him in death on December 1, 1990. He was united in marriage again on April 13, 1991 in Elsberry, MO to Mary Ellen Johnson. He was employed for 27 years as an electrician for Bathe Electric in St. Louis, MO, retiring December 6, 1984. He was a member of the IBEW Local #1 in St. Louis, MO, and the VFW Post #9064 in Elsberry. He was a member and served on the board of the Elsberry Senior Center. Besides his parent, Lester E. and Jeannette Mathews, and his first wife, Cecelia Mathews, he was preceded in death by one brother, Lester G. Mathews; and his second wife, Mary Mathews, who died March 14, 1998. Survivors include one nephew, Jim Mathews and his wife, Rose, of Washington, MO; one niece, Patricia Massey of Nevada, MO; several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, cousins, and friends. Visitation was held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2004 at Carter-Ricks Funeral Home in Elsberry. Memorials may be made to the Elsberry Senior Center in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 South Fifth Street, Elsberry, MO 63343.