Donald Ray Mathis

Donald Ray Mathis was born August 22, 1924 in Cottonwood, Madison County, Texas, to parents Judson and Jewell Mathis. Donald grew up in Hollis, North Zulch and Normangee. He graduated from Normangee High School in 1942, and was called into active duty in the Army Air Corp, which he had qualified for the A-12 program in High School. He was a veteran of World War II, and was honorably discharged from the 1811th Service Command Unit, with many honors, in 1945. After World War II he was attending Sam Houston University where he met his College Sweetheart, Sis Anderson. They were married 59 years until she passed away in 2006. Donald was in the Insurance business for 64 years, a graduate of Sam Houston University and Southern Methodist University. He was formerly on the Advisory Committee at the State Board of Insurance, and is a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table. Donald and Sis were members of First Baptist Church of Spring Branch for over 50 years, where he served in various roles including Deacon.

Donald is survived by his son, Donald Ray Mathis, Jr. and Debra Lyn Manning, his daughter-in-law Mary, and son-in-law Celso, four grandchildren, Brian Mathis, Justin Mathis, Tish Manning, and Meredith Manning. Brian and his wife Kimberley Mathis recently gave Donald his first great granddaughter, Emma Kate Mathis. Donald was affectionately known as 'JoJo' to his grandchildren. Donald is also survived by a brother, Hubert Mathis and his wife Jessie of Bradford, Texas, and his sister Imogene McLain of Tomball, Texas.

Services will be at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 9, 2015. Graveside services will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery, at Evergreen, Texas, at 2:30 p.m. There 'JoJo' will rest beside "MaMa' for eternity. For all who wish to express love and sympathy for the family, with a token gift, please give it to Evergreen Cemetery Association, 7945 Hwy 150 West, Cold Spring, Texas 77331.