Leldon Mathis
July 29, 1929 ~ January 19, 2021
After 91 years of a full and joyful life, Leldon Mathis, the best father you could ever have, was called home by his heavenly father. Leldon exemplified the love of God, country and Family. He served as a Deacon at East Mountain Baptist Church, where his parents also worshipped before him, and at Hughes Springs First Baptist Church. Leldon served honorably in combat during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Hollister. He received various medals and saved the life of a downed Navy pilot. After leaving the Navy, Leldon raised a family, showing us all what true love is and what a father should be. In his constant search for knowledge and new horizons, Leldon traveled the world over, collecting memories and stories he loved to tell is with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.
He is survived by his brother, Dr. James Milton Mathis; and younger sister, Mary Frances Stembridge (Delbert); four children, Nona Mathis Morgan (Mark), Carl Anthony Mathis (Kathy), Phillip Strickland (Margie), and Bobby Strickland (Candy); nine grandchildren, Ann-Marie Morgan, Lauren Morgan, Brittani Mathis, Melinda Strickland, Alan Strickland, Keith Strickland (Jennifer), Lindsay Turman (Roddy), Megan Davis (Ryan), Trevor Jacobus; and ten great-grandchildren, Ryder, Roman Hart, Mathis Rhett, Kade, Kylee, Hallie, and Jacob Strickland, Sydney, Bentley, and Lincoln Turman. His memory will be cherished and will never be forgotten by his family and a host of friends.
During this time of pandemic, there will be a controlled time for paying final respects and viewing from 4:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. A private family service will be held Friday at Hughes Springs Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to East Mountain Baptist Church or Hughes Springs Baptist Church.
He was a wonderful man. Always had a smile for me. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Nona and Mark,
Charles and I are saddened by the news of the loss of your loved one. We pray you find comfort in the days ahead as you share your many memories.
Geraldine and Charles Hull
Nona and Mark, we are sorry for the loss of your dad. Praying that God’s peace and comfort will cover you and your family during your time of grief. We love you.
Nona, your dad was such a sweet and kind man. I know that he will be missed by many, but he is walking on streets of gold today and we all can rejoice knowing that!
Your Dad was a special man and he thought the world of you, his Nona Beth. He enjoyed life and sharing his life experiences, and blessed us by his service to our country. And he was blessed as well by the love & care you provided for him. Love you, Carolyn & Gary
Nona and Tony, I was your babysitter when you were little and lived in East Mt. I felt like Leldon was family since Mary Frances is my lifelong friend. I will be praying for you and the whole family that God will comfort you in the way that only He can. You were indeed blessed to have Leldon for your dad.