Lester Mathes

Lester W. Mathes, resident of Ponca City, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2008 at his home after an extended illness. He was 79. Lester was born the son of John and Bessie Mathes on December 17, 1928 on the Big V Ranch of Marland, Oklahoma where he began school. The family moved to Ponca City in 1934, where he completed school. On January 20, 1951, Lester married Erma Lee Carico, the couple made their home in Ponca City and to this union two children were born. Just ten days after getting married, Lester enlisted in the United States Army on January 30, 1951 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was a cook and a baker both stateside and in Germany until he was honorably discharged in 1953. Lester returned to Ponca City and went to work for the Ponca City Water and Light Department from 1953 to 1963. In 1962, Lester was employed at Oklahoma Natural Gas where he stayed for 25 years until he retired in 1987. Lester was a talented woodworker and was known for his intricate creations and giving away handmade toys. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and was very proud of his first bike, a 1946 Indian. He and Erma frequently traveled the country by motorcycle. Later they were avid campers and snowbirds. He is survived by his loving wife Erma of the home; two children, Lester Bill W. Mathes Jr. and wife, Kathy of Slidell, Louisiana and Linda Mathes of Champaign, Illinois; sister, Mildred McMonigle of Ponca City, Oklahoma; grandchildren, John Mathes and wife, Kathy of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Dianna Reed and husband, David of Tonkawa, Oklahoma, Bret Elam and Matt Elam of Champaign, Illinois, and Ricky Chartier of Tonkawa, Oklahoma; great grandchildren, Lyric Mathes and Gideon Mathes of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Andre, Caylee and Jacob Reed of Tonkawa, Oklahoma, Jasmine Elam and Mary Elam of Champaign, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents. Casket bearers for the service will be John Mathes, Bret Elam, Matt Elam, Chris Carico and David Reed. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2008 at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel. Pastor Ken Newport of Second Baptist Church will officiate along with Reverend Jacob Blackwelder. In lieu of flowers donations in Lesters memory may be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 1904 North Union Suite 103, Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.