David Ewing Mathis, a native of Kansas City and resident of Longwood, Florida, passed suddenly into Eternal Life on Saturday, March 13, 2021.
He was in Kansas City at the time, visiting family and friends. David was born January 20, 1930 in Independence, Missouri to Lester David and Juliet F. Hagan Mathis. He was the youngest of five children. While in grade school, the family moved to Kansas City. David is a graduate of Paseo High School, Class of '47.
David enlisted in the US Marine Corps, serving on active duty from 1947-1953 then the Reserves until the mid-60s. He achieved the rank of what is now Gunnery Sergeant. He was a decorated Korean War veteran, serving as a Flight Engineer aboard Marine Corps transports. His squadron received the Presidential Unit Citation for action during the Chosin Reservoir campaign. Returning to Missouri for new assignments, he met Althea L. Hartstack, graduate of Southwest High School.
While working for Country Club Dairy, David earned his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. David and Althea were married on Valentines Day 1953, had three sons, and were blessed with 49 and a Half years. They lived in Raytown MO, California, Atlanta, Overland Park, KS, and the Orlando area. They designed and built their final dream home on a golf course. As a widower, he traveled to places Althea had also wanted to see. While on a Danube River cruise, he met Lillian Smith of Miami. They were married for 16 years, traveling extensively.
As an Engineer, David worked for The Vendo Company for 42 years, half in technical service and half in sales of vending beverage equipment. In retirement, David was a volunteer with the Seminole County FL Sheriff's Office and Bay Hills Golf Tournament.
David was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Margery, Billy, and Dorothy; a son, Scotty, wife Althea; second wife, Lillian; and three brothers-in-law.
He is survived by sister, Mildred Liemen, sons Gregory David (Amelia) and Jeffrey Brian (Beth), three grandchildren, Angela-Marie, Samuel, and Jacob; one great grandchild, Matthew; and a much loved cat, O'Malley who brought him great comfort and companionship during the COVID Pandemic lockdown.
David will be inurned 9 AM on April 26, 2021 at at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, Florida, with military honors.
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