Bill Mathis Remembered

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Funeral services were held today for Bill Mathis of Mathis Crane & Excavating Service--a towering man, truly larger than life who cared more about the people around him than about himself.

In fact, this morning it was hard to imagine a Du Quoin without Mathis, described by son Mark as a father who "was always smiling" and a man who instilled integrity and caring in all he came in contact with.

Mathis passed away at the age of 68 from complications for treatment of a lung ailment. In the end, the strong antibiotics and anti-viral medications used to treat the condition would damage the lungs doctors were trying to heal.

On Monday night, hundreds upon hundreds of well-wishers from all across the region attended the visitation for Mathis, who in recent months donated all of the work to grade the parking lot at Bethel Lutheran Church and install the steeple on the new church at Sunfield. In both cases, he was asked about the bill. "Don't worry about it. There isn't one."

Bill was vice-president of Mathis and Sons, Inc. He started his career with Midland Coal Company in Elmwood. He moved to Du Quoin in 1973 and began working for Consolidated Coal Company. Bill had worked in the construction business for 49 years and began Mathis and Sons, Inc. in 1973. He was a member of Local 520, UMW of A, Illinois Western Horse Show and Racing Association, the 9 Day Trail Ride Association and he was a member and president of the Du Quoin Saddle Club.

He never met anyone that he didn't like and more than all other things about his life--he will not only be missed but the loss to all of us is unspeakable.

--John H. Croessman