The Whitewright Sun
Friday, February 20, 1920

"Jack" Mathes Passed Away Saturday

Denison, Feb. 15. - A. L. (Jack) Mathes, county commissioner from the Denison precinct, died at the Sherman Sanitarium at 1:30 a.m. Saturday after an illness of about three months, aged 48 years. All members of his immediate family were near, as it had been apparent for several days that the short but useful like would soon come to an end.
Mr. Mathes is survived by his parents, who reside at 1017 West Woodward street; his wife, two sons, John and James; sisters, Mrs. E. L. Seay, Mrs. Mat Foust and Mrs. Bright Messenger of Denison; brother, M. T. Mathes of Colorado, and a half brother, Si Hunter, residing near Carpenter's Bluff, east of the city.
Mr. Mathes was a member of the Waples Memorial Church and a consecrated Christian gentleman.
While a man of quiet and retiring disposition, few men were better known in Denison and over this district, which he served as county commissioner for nearly four years. He was identified with every movement that had for its object the upbuilding of Denison and especially the community where he resided east of the city since a lad of ten years. He spent countless hours working out problems for the betterment of his home community and over the district he served.
Three months ago he developed trouble with his heart, but patiently and cheerfully he combated it for many weary weeks and an operation was decided on which it was thought would conquer the disease but although the best of medical skill was given, the fight was lost and a most useful life was ended.
The unfortunate as well as deplorable accident of a year ago, in which a little boy, close to the Mathes family, lost his life. Mr. Mathes being the innocent cause, is believed to have been the starting point of his illness. According to his family, he was never the same man again, although assured by the victim's family, was well as his friend that he was entirely blameless. But the shock was too severe for his nerves and his face bespoke the unspeakable grief that was tearing
at his very heartstrings.
The life of Jack Mathes was one in which duty was a pleasure, whose kindly forebearance never wavered; his was a life filled with good deeds for the sake of others --- a history indelibly written. Many hearts today throb with sorrow and many sympathetic expressions were sent to those whome he loved and who loved him, and with all these expressions it is plainly visible that Jack Mathes did not live in vain. He accomplished many things for the betterment of mankind.
Born in Missouri in December 1872, he came to Denison when a boy of 10 years, moving with his parents to a farm east of the city, where he grew to manhood. Mr. Mathes was a successful farmer and business man.
The funeral services were conducted from the home of Mr. Mathes' parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Mathes, 1017 West Woodward street at 1:30 Sunday afternoon. James E. Morris was in charge of the services, following which the Masons took charge and carried out their burial ceremony.
Interment was in Oak Ridge Cemetery, east of Denison near the farm upon which Mr Mathes was reared.