Donald Mathy

Donald "Don" Mathy, 80, of Belleville, died Thursday, May 3, 2012 in the presence of his loving wife Jeanne, in the Long Term Care unit at the Republic County Hospital. He was born April 5, 1932, in Morrowville, to William Mathy and Clara Cummings. He graduated from Morrowville High School in 1950.   After graduating high school, he entered the U.S. Army, training with his K9 in Colorado Springs. He then became a veteran of the Korean War, where he served with his K9 German Shepherd "General". On December 29, 1954, he was honorably discharged from the military at which point he worked as an Appliance Repairman for Kuhlman's in Linn, Kansas. On December 29, 1972, he married Jeanne. After leaving Kuhlman's, he and Jeanne opened the Red Lantern bar together in Morrowville. On February 3, 1974, they welcomed their son Mark David into this world. After closing the Red Lantern, he then worked as a custodian for North Central High School. In 1986, he and his family moved to Belleville, at which point he worked as a maintenance man for Heartland Care Center. After leaving Heartland, he worked as a custodian for the Belleville School District, finishing his career at East Elementary. Don loved his time at East and the time he spent there with the faculty. But the children he saw daily were his joy. After retiring, he spent much of his time doing the things that he loved. He and Jeanne spent time together traveling, including trips south to Texas and New Mexico to escape the harsh Kansas winters. Don loved gardening, especially his roses, which were always on display in front of his homes. Of course, he reserved the most precious of his flowers for his wife Jeanne. He loved to work with leather, creating many works of art, and also functional pieces such as belts, wallets and purses. Later in life, he took up the hobby of woodworking. His home is filled with many of his beautiful creations. He was very active in the fraternity of the Knights of Columbus in Belleville, always attending monthly meetings, and later in life obtaining his 4th degree. Don was most recognizable as the man in Belleville walking his dog. His love of his dogs is well-known. To him, they were truly man's best friend, and true companions that he loved with all of his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents. He will be forever remembered by his wife, Jeanne, his sister Rosalie, two daughters Linda (Dwight) and Mary (Dan), three sons Larry, Donald (Cindy) and Mark (Gina); 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. A funeral mass was held Monday, May 7, 2012 at St. Edward Catholic Church, Belleville, Kansas with Celebrant Fr. Barry Brinkman. Cremation was chosen and private family inurnment will be at a later date at the Morrowville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council No. 2609. Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, Belleville, Kansas was in charge of these arrangements.