W. Leo Mathus

SERVICES: Graveside services will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008, at Fairview Cemetery in Pampa, Texas with Rev. Richard Bartel, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Pampa, officiating. Arrangements are by Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.BIOGRAPHY: Leo was born on July 24, 1938 in Pampa, the son of Gus and Lucy L. Mathus. He accepted the Lord at an early age and was raised in the Baptist church. He graduated from Pampa High School where he played football for the Harvester football team. After high school, he enlisted in the U. S. Army, serving for six years in the 8th Army in the Far East. After his honorable discharge, he relocated to the Dallas area. His military training in avionics (radar and weapons) opened many doors for him and led him to a long and very rewarding relationship with LTV and Vought Aerospace Corp. in Grand Prairie. He finished a storybook career when he retired in 1996 as project engineering manager after 31 years of service. Leo was an avid fisherman and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. After retirement, he enjoyed trips to his East Texas deer camp with his faithful canine companion, Ellie, his Boston terrier who was always with him. He was diagnosed with a rare blood disease six months ago and lost his last battle on Aug. 2, 2008. Leo was preceded in death by his parents and an older brother, Buddy Joe Mathus.SURVIVORS: Brother: Danny L. Mathus and wife Bobbie of Lake Palestine; 3 sisters: Lucille Bond and husband Kenneth of Rockwall, Wilma Melear of Amarillo, and Colleen Reck of Claude; and by several nieces and nephews.MEMORIALS: Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, Box 1870, Amarillo, TX 79174.