Lieutenant Colonel John W. Mather, U.S. Air Force (Retired) passed away November 18, 2020 at Benton House in Olathe, Kansas at the age of 92. Lt. Col. Mather was born on the 17th of May 1928 in South Hampton, New York to Tom and Molly Mather.
John enjoyed many different adventures throughout his lifetime. In his early years, he worked on the family ranch and played professional polo alongside his father, winning a multitude of trophies. John had the privilege of playing in Madison Square Garden and was able to meet many celebrities and dignitaries. He and his dad trained and sold polo ponies, even training several for Will Rogers. After attending the New Mexico Military Institute and Officer’s Candidate School, he entered the Air Force. While in the Air Force, John worked as an Air Traffic Controller and Communications Squadron Commander. During his military career, he and his loving wife and two sons traveled the world extensively, including Japan, Germany, Korea, Canada, and throughout the United States.
After retirement, he and his wife, Nola Mather moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming and then to Long Island, New York where he taught ROTC before settling in Plattsburgh, New York to run an antique shop and restore a historical home. After the death of his wife of 35 years, John moved to Burnet, Texas, not far from the original homestead and gristmill of his grandfather, Samuel E. Mather of Williamson County, Texas.
Shortly after settling in his ranch home in Burnet, Texas, John met and married Lucille Dasso where they lived happily for 20 years. John enjoyed raising his herd of goats, fishing in his pond, as well as caring for several prized horses.
In 2020, John moved to The Benton House assisted living facility in Olathe, Kansas to receive medical care while closer to his son and grandchildren. Shortly after moving in, the COVID-19 pandemic hit caused him to become locked down to his apartment for several months. During that time, the caregivers and staff of Benton House became part of his family along with the many other residents of the facility.
John is preceded in death by sister, Rose Thompson, wife, Nola E. Mather, son, Thomas P. Mather, and wife, Lucille M. Mather.
He is survived by his son, Robert Mather and wife Jennifer Mather of Olathe, Kansas, along with grandchildren, Christopher (Marjory) Mather, Danielle Mather, Kyle Mather, Jessica Mather, and Justin Mather, as well as great-grandchildren Fausto and Ines Mather. John is also survived by stepchildren, Roger Lavery, Richard (Matt) Lavery, Martha Lavery, Mark Lavery, as well as many step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will take place at a future date at the Mather Cemetery in Liberty Hill, Texas. Please offer condolences at www.McGilley-Frye.com.
