Guy L. Mathes

Guy Lavern Mathes, son of the late Gladys Louise (Wood) Mathes and Otho Allen Mathes, was born in Oates on June 17, 1933. He passed away at Festus Manor Nursing Home in Festus on April 13, 2017 at the age of 83.
On July 23, 1955, Guy was united in marriage to Malinda Joyce Estep in Lesterville. Guy served in the United States Army after being drafted at the end of the Korean War. He then received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield in 1961 and a Masters in Education Administration in 1964. Guy was a teacher in Springfield, as well as in the Fox School District. He retired from the Bayless School District in St. Louis in 1988. Guy also worked many years as a Union carpenter, a custom cabinet maker and was head of maintenance at the Developmental Disabilities Service in Mapaville until 2009.
Guy took pleasure in gardening and sharing his produce with friends and neighbors. He was also an accomplished woodworker. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and traveling throughout the United States.
Guy is survived by two daughters, Nancy (Vern) Whillock of Festus and Annette (Greg) Jacobs of Imperial; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Doris Freeman, Lavawn (Jim) Sencibaugh and Shirley (Wimp) Parker; and daughter-in-law, LuAnn Mathes. Guy will be deeply missed by a host of relatives and many friends who will mourn his passing.
Visitation and funeral service were held Monday, April 17 at McSpadden Funeral Home in Lesterville; with Pastor Greg Freeman officiating. Burial was in Black River Cemetery.                                                                                                                             Arrangements were under the direction of McSpadden Funeral Home in Lesterville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Black River Baptist Church or the Arthritis Foundation.