Richard Thomas (Rick) Mattheis

Richard Thomas “Rick” Mattheis, son of Duane L. and Christine L. (Beck) Mattheis, was born May 26, 1952 in Estherville, Iowa. In 1959, Rick (as he was known to his family and friends) and his family moved to Cresco, Iowa where he attended school and was a 1970 graduate of Cresco High School. In 1973, Rick enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country faithfully until his retirement in 1993 and was awarded several medals and commendations. Some of which include: National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award) Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), Army Commendation Medal and the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge M-16 Rifle. He had attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. On June 15, 1991, Rick was united in marriage to Carmen Lavonne Hendrix in Buckhorn, Missouri. They shared 16 years of wonderful memories together. After retiring from the military, Rick began working at the Independent Stave Mill in Lebanon, Missouri and worked there for 12 ½ years until his retirement in January 2007. In his spare time, Rick enjoyed working with wood and made several beautiful pieces. He liked watching NASCAR races on television or even going to the local races. Rick loved being with people and enjoyed shooting pool and visiting with friends and family. Rick was a member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM, the VFW Post #4107 of Lebanon, MO, the American Legion #331 of St. Robert, MO, the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine of Springfield, MO and the Scottish Rite of Joplin, MO, the Eastern Star and AMVETS. He was a past commander of the VFW Post #3168 of Laquey, MO. Rick passed away at 12:32 P.M. Friday, June 15, 2007 in the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital of Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri at the age of 55 years and 20 days. Rick will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by his wife, Carmen of the home; two sons: Ricky Mattheis and his wife, Theresa of Richland, MO and Josh Mattheis of the state of Iowa; three daughters: Jennifer, Kelly and Kasey Mattheis, all of the state of Iowa; three step-daughters: Misty Brill and Alberta Cowell, both of Waynesville, MO and Jessica Cox of New River, NC; one brother: Lynn Mattheis and his wife, Denise of Arular, Iowa; one sister: Coleen Busta and her husband, Virgil of Cresco, Iowa; brother-in-law: Thomas Hendrix and his wife, Edy of Ada, OK; sister-in-law: Charlene Holyfield and her husband, Randy of Waynesville, MO; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Rick was preceded in death by his parents: Duane and Christine Mattheis and two brothers: Dennis and Steven Mattheis. Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 19, 2007 in the Memorial Chapel of Waynesville/St. Robert with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. Soloist Becky Lercher sang “Serenaded By Angels” and “Another Soldier’s Coming Home”. Serving as escorts were the United States Army and serving as honorary escorts were Jay Weber, Walter Dixon and Lee Piper. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Waynesville, MO. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Rick Mattheis and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Waynesville/St. Robert.

Richard Thomas (Rick) Mattheis

May 26, 1952 - June 15, 2007