Streator Times Press

Fred Mathis, 1942-1966

David Frederick Mathis died December 11, 1966, in an automobile accident which also killed classmate Raymond Sapp.  He  was born in Streator, December 14, 1942, to Howard and Genevieve (Gilbert) Mathis.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having just been discarged fdrom service a few weeks ago.  He was a member of the Central Church of Christ.

Survivng are his parents; one bother, Donald Mathis, Lostant; paternal grandmother, Mrs. Ben (Emma) Cullen, Streator;  and two nieces.

Double funeral services were held at the Central Church of Christ for Raymond E. Sapp and David F. Mathis, both of Rte. 3, victims of a fatal accident on Kangley road early Sunday morning.

Rev. Dean Sloniger, pastor of the church officiated.  Mrs. Bruce Campbell was the soloist, accompanied by Mrs. Crede Spear at the organ.

Rev.John Frakes, pastor of the Ancona Christian Church conducted graveside rites at Riverview Cemetery for Raymond Sapp, and Rev. Sloniger conducted the graveside rites at Riverview Cemetery for David (Fred) Mathis.

Serving as Pallbearers for Raymond Sapp were Walter Phillips, Thomas Cox, Bruce Humphrey, Michael Majercin, George Christoff, Jr., and Tony Meredith.

Serving as pallbearers for Fred Mathis were Edward Pirano, Kenneth Berry, Jerry Thorp, Donald Cinnamon, Alleh Neitzel, and Craig Irving.

Scores of friends and relatives from Ishpeming, Michigan, Hammond and Indianapolis, Indiana, Texarkana, Arkansas,Galesburg, Sheridan, Chicago, Norway, Salem, Kinmundy, Joliet, Oak Lawn, Worth, Iuka, Highwood, Serena, Ottawa, Toluca, and the surrounding communities attended the services.

The American Legion, Leslie G. Woods Post No. 217 conducted ceremonies at the gravesides with Joseph Neumann and Fred Pflibsen in charge of the flag folding.