Jack Wayne Mathes

Jack Wayne Mathes, 93, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024 at The Cedars, McPherson, Kansas in the presence of his children. He was born in McPherson, Kansas on March 4, 1931, the first child of Earl and Elvera (Donal) Mathes. Jack attended Elmdale Elementary in rural School District 22, McPherson, KS, he graduated from McPherson High School, McPherson, Kansas in 1948, and then attended Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. Jack met the love of his life at the Peterson’s Skating Rink, McPherson, Kansas. He was united in marriage to Dolores Maxine Wallace on Dec. 28, 1952 in Canton, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together on the family farm in McPherson, Kansas. The couple was blessed with the birth of two daughters, Debra and Sondra. Jack spent his whole life farming and operated a dairy farm before moving from the family farm to land they owned on old 81 HWY, McPherson, Kansas. In addition while farming, Jack owned and operated Jack’s Digging and Ditching, worked for Femco Manufacturing as production supervisor, and then did finishing work installing flooring and countertops for Jerry Hedberg, Lindsborg, Kansas. He and Dolores enjoyed traveling and visited many foreign countries and traveling in their motor homes, until they finally became snowbirds in Mission, Texas. He was president of Heart of American Motor Coach Association and Good Sam’s Motorhome Club for several years. Jack was a serious card player, golfer, bowler, and he got a lot of pleasure in his boat and fishing when he could make the time. Jack got the opportunity to go four-wheeling in Colorado with Brent and his grandsons on the annual Guys Trip for many years. He also traveled to Canada and Tennessee to visit grandkids and great grandkids, as well as spent time with those in McPherson. It was a way for him to share his experiences and stories of his life. Sometimes those stories were heard over and over. On August 7, 2011, at the age of 80, Jack publicly professed his faith and was baptized by Pastor Lynn Scott at The First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), McPherson, Kansas. He is survived by his children, Debbie (Brent) Sheets of McPherson, KS and Sondra Frank (and her life partner, Rick Vesterse) of McPherson, KS; his brother Boyd Mathes (Anne) of Phoenix, AZ. Jack is also survived by grandchildren: Kimberly (Matt) Veer, Melville, SK Canada, Timothy “TJ” (Lindsay) Dearing, McPherson, KS, Thomas “Tommy” (Amie) Dearing, Maryville, TN, David (Natasha) Frank, McPherson, KS, Charles “Bub” Frank, Ellis, Kansas. Great grandchildren: Garrett Veer, Kendall Veer, Dakota Frank, Kaylee Frank, Trace Dearing, Teague Dearing, Jacqueline Dearing, Olivia Dearing. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 60 years, Dolores, sister FloAnn and son-in-law Charles Frank. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home, McPherson, KS 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm with family present. Memorial Service will be held at the First Christian Church, McPherson, KS with Pastor Lynn Scott officiating on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 11:00 am. Private burial will be held at McPherson Cemetery, McPherson, KS, and precede the service. Memorials are to First Christian Church and McPherson Senior Center and they can be sent to Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home, 222 W Euclid St., McPherson, KS 67460.

Jack Wayne Mathes

March 4, 1931 - July 12, 2024