Don Thomas Mathis

Don Thomas Mathis of Junction, Texas passed away on January 9, 2022 in San Angelo, Texas at the age of 89. Although a failing heart took him from this world, it is that heart that touched all family, friends, colleagues, and communities who knew him. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Kimble Funeral Home in Junction, TX. Funeral Services will be on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church of Junction.

Don was born on February 22, 1932 in Roscoe, Texas to Thomas F. and Julia Mathis. He was raised on a cotton farm as one of the pioneering families of Loraine, Texas. At Loraine High school he participated in agricultural, athletic, and literary clubs and graduated with high honors in 1949. Don was a 1953 graduate of Texas Technological College with a degree in Agricultural Education. He was then drafted to serve his country at the end of the Korean War. He received the National Defense, Korean Service, UN Service, and Good Conduct Medals.

While teaching Agriculture at Fabens High School he met Jane Lane, a clerk at the International Harvester & General Store. Their whirlwind courtship included her roping him into becoming her escort for the 1956 Fabens Cotton Festival. Their wedding followed on November 16 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. They were to be married for 61 years and had three children, Tommy, Scott and Melissa.

In 1961, Don began working for the Farmers Home Administration in Cleburne, Texas. As their region's Assistant County Supervisor for FmHA, Don issued Economic Opportunity loans to farmers, ranchers, and expanding businesses, including Assisted Living facilities for seniors similar to where he lived his last months. In 1966 he transferred to San Saba, and then to Fredericksburg in 1973 where he became County Director. When Don became District Director for FmHA in 1979, the family moved to Junction where Don resided for the next 42 years. Retirement found Don in 1996 after serving FmHA for 36 years.

In each for their home across Texas, Don was active in the community. As a resident of Cleburne, he was a calf roper, where ultimately he won a buckle in 1965. Don was also a member of the Lions Club and coached Little League. In San Saba, in addition to Lions Club and Young Farmers Association, Don and Jane participated in an event called ribbon roping. After Don would rope the calf, Jane would retrieve a ribbon from it's tail and race back to the chute in hopes of the lowest time. In Junction Don again coached Little League, served on the Booster Club, participated in the fish fry, and volunteered at the Frank Hubble Relays. In retirement he enjoyed watching the fiddling competition at Junction's annual Cow Kick, and viewed many rodeos and ropings at Hill Country Fair Association.

He and Jane spent retirement watching their beloved family grow with the addition of grandchildren, whom they adored. In 2018, Don's heart broke when he lost Jane to cancer. In 2021, Don moved into an assisted living apartment in San Angelo, and quickly stole the hearts of the residents and staff as their "Cowboy."

Don's legacy began with his parents who preceded him in death. He built it with the love he shared with Jane, who also precedes him. It will continue on in the hearts of his children, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He is survived by his brother Gary Mathis of Stamford, Texas, son Tommy Mathis and his wife Julie of Austin, Texas, son Scott Mathis and his wife Melanie of Karnes City, Texas, and daughter Melissa Trojcak and her husband Clay of San Angelo, Texas. And also 7 grandchildren, Jarrett, Tucker, Casey, Jacey, Ryan, Keely and Knox, and great grandchild Parker.

In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Kimble County Meals on Wheel, 404 College Street, Junction, TX. 76849