Bobbie Dale Mathes

Bobbie Dale Mathes, born May 28, 1937, in Buick, Missouri, was the son of Benjamin Harrison and Zelma Lee (Hamilton) Mathes. He was one of eleven children and grew up in Salem, Missouri. At the age of seventeen, June 2, 1954, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country faithfully and honorably for four years. On March 23, 1955, Bob was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Minnie Ilene Leonard. Together they shared a lifetime of memories before her passing September 1, 2020, after sixty-five years of devotion to each other. Bob and Minnie were blessed with four children: Pam, Mark, Gary, and Christy. Bob started his working career with Yellow Transit in St. Louis until moving back to Salem to work with his brother at Salem Pine Pole and Posts until 1978, when Bob began his career at St. Joe Lead Mines. After many years as a lead miner, Bob decided to switch careers and work alongside Minnie at the Viburnum Post Office. After a while, he went back to work at Doe Run until his retirement. In his younger years, Bob liked to go gigging with his friends. He was an avid gardener and also enjoyed woodworking. Bob and Minnie liked to travel; they often camped at Montauk and were snowbirds in Florida. His family was most important to him, and he treasured the time spent with them, especially with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and newest great-great-granddaughter. Bob was a man of great faith in the Lord. He was a Bible scholar; he truly loved to study the Word and taught Sunday School for thirty-four years. Bob served as a deacon at New Harmony United Baptist Church. Afterwards he attended Salem First Baptist Church until relocating to Springfield when they started attending Crossway Baptist Church. Bob also served as a Mason for sixty-one years. Bob went to be with his Lord on January 26, 2026, at the age of eighty-eight years. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving children: Pam Sutterfield and husband Dan of Springfield, MO, Mark Mathes and wife Leisa of Springfield, MO, Gary Mathes and wife Ginger of Kansas City, MO, and Christy Bryant and husband Steve of Rolla, MO; sister: Retta Crocker of St. Charles, MO; grandchildren: Scott Sutterfield and wife Teisha, Brad Sutterfield and wife Megan, David Sutterfield, Danny Sutterfield and wife Jannece, Travis Sutterfield and wife Carrie, Bobbi Reavis and husband Caleb, Chad Mathes and wife Jessica, Nicki Rogers and husband Jaron, Luke Mathes and wife Tara, Ashley Kerr, Jonathon Kerr, Christina Kerr, Luke Bryant, and Seth Bryant and wife Tiffanie; thirty-one great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Preceding him in death were his loving wife: Minnie (Leonard) Mathes; parents: Benjamin “Harry” Sr. and Zelma (Hamilton) Mathes; siblings: Oscar Mathes, Willard Mathes, Grace Clements, Arthur Mathes, Juanita Cooper, Norma Mathes, Vesta Emery, Harry Mathes Jr., and Alberta Huggins; and his grandson: Michael Arts Jr. Bob had the ability to make you feel like you were the most important person in the world. He liked to make you think and typically answered a question with a question. Bob was a remarkable man and will be remembered for his incredible quick wit and contagious smile. He will forever be missed by those who loved him most. Funeral Services were held January 30, 2026, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Burial with Military Honors was in the Boss Cemetery. The family was served by Wilson Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Bob Mathes to the Baptist Bible Fellowship International to help continue the missionary work of granddaughter, Nicki, and her husband Jaron. Leave the family a condolence on his tribute page at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Bobbie Dale Mathes

May 28, 1937 - January 26, 2026