LARRY JAMES MATHERS

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Larry James Mathers, age 63, resident of Ash Grove, Missouri, formerly of Florissant , Missouri, died Saturday, March 22, 2008, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born July 25, 1944, in Central Lake, Michigan the son of Harry mathers and Hazel Murray Mathers. Larry married Connie Pavey on April 18, 1965, in Wichita, Kan.

He was retired following 40 plus years as an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. He was a veteran of the Vietnam era serving with the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967. Larry was of the Methodist faith.

He loved to cook, fishing and hunting, traveling and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Connie of the home; one son, Chad Mathers, and one daughter Shelley Anderson, both of Columbia, Missouri. Also surviving is a brother, Harold Mathers and wife Susan, Tryon, North Carolina; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, his mother-in-law, Doris Pritchett, Ash Grove, Missouri and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents a stillborn brother, Harvey D. Mathers, and fathers-in-law, Percy Pavey and Earnest Pritchett.

The Rev. Jared Witt will conduct funeral services at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in U.S. National Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post No. 1165 V.F.W. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to either the American Cancer Society or Community Hospice of American and may be sent to Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of comfort may be sent to condolences@cheneywitt.com.