Dennis Mathers, age 67 of North Platte, lost his battle with cancer on March 14, 2014. He was surrounded in his last days by family and friends.
Dennis was born on November 18, 1946 in North Platte to Clarence “Buster” Mathers and Elvina White-Mathers. He was the youngest of four siblings on the family farm 9 ½ miles south of Paxton, NE. He attended Paxton High School and in 1963 joined the United States Navy and went to basic training in San Diego, CA. He later served in Vietnam on the U.S.S. Hull as a seaman. Dennis was honored with a National Defense Service Medal, Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Vietnam Service Medal, two Bronze Stars and Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was honorably discharged in February 1969 after an injury. After returning from service, Dennis farmed the family homestead. He then moved to North Platte and worked for the State of Nebraska Department of Roads for 35 years. In his spare time he was an avid deer hunter and fisherman.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Elvina Mathers; sister Karen Loden; and brother-in-law Larry Garrelts.
Surviving family include sister Peggy Garrelts of Ogallala, NE; his significant other Linda Thiem; son Dwane Clarence Mathers and daughter Deanna Marie Mathers, all of North Platte, NE; his adoptive sister Ardis (Loren) Engler of Paxton, NE; and many other grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday March 19, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Chaplain Robin Storer officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.