Richard James Mathis

Funeral services for Richard Mathis, age 87, of Buffalo, will be held at 10 A.M., Friday, December 8, 2017 at the Calvary Christian Center near Oakwood, Texas. Bro. Jack Smith, pastor of the church, will officiate, and interment will be in the Buffalo Cemetery in Buffalo, Texas. A visitation will take place from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Thursday, December 7th at the Walters’ Buffalo Funeral Home in Buffalo.

Richard James Mathis was born on March 19, 1930 in Louisville, Kentucky, the youngest of two sons born to William “Bill” and Dessie Marie (Snowdon) Mathis. Soon after his birth, Richard, his mother and brother moved to Radon, Oklahoma where he was raised. During his high school years, Richard enjoyed tinkering with and repairing automobiles. After his graduation from Elk City High School in Oklahoma, Richard put his knowledge and skills of automobiles to good use by going into the paint and body business. At first, Richard’s work took him to various parts of the United States. He and his family eventually settled in Pasadena, Texas where Richard opened his own paint and body shop. From 1957-2002, he owned and operated the business until he moved to Buffalo, Texas.

Richard married his wife, Theresia Minton Stone, in 1982. Together they shared a wonderful life full of love and adventure. Richard enjoyed travelling and wanted to share those experiences with the ones he loved. One of his many trips included an excursion with his son to Alaska to hunt on Kodiak Island. Many great memories were made on those various vacations. Richard took up woodworking after he retired from the automobile business. He was always making items for his wife to use around their home. He also loved to go fishing when he had the chance. Most of all, Richard loved his family and the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Richard had lived in Buffalo for the past fifteen years and was a faithful member of the Calvary Christian Center. He passed away following a brief illness on December 4, 2017 in Tyler, Texas. Richard was preceded in death by both of his parents; brother, Kenneth W. Mathis and niece, Patty Horn.

Surviving relatives include wife, Theresia (Milton) Stone Mathis of Buffalo; sons, Michael James Mathis (Marilyn) of Magnolia, Greg Allan Mathis of Reno, NV and Doyle Stone (Louise) of Huntington Beach, CA; daughter, Annette McCleskey (Ron) of Humble and cousin, Aquilla Burch of Gatesville. Richard is also survived by grandchildren, Jennifer Taylor (Ryan), Julie Pratt (Tommy), Jason Mathis, Stacy Sims (Chad), Doyle Stone III, Casey Jay Stone, Morgan Pittman (Justin) and Riley Zapf (Madison); great grandchildren, Avery, Brooke, Logan, Addison, Jacob, Alyssa, Andrew, Austin, Aaron, Mason & Zoie and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Walters’ Buffalo Funeral Home in Buffalo is in charge of all arrangements.