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Wednesday, December 28, 2016 Volume 118, Number 52 8 Pages $1.00 www.HerefordBRAND.com

End of the year tribute to Elmer Mathies Jr. See inside for details

Make Newspapers Great Again

2016'S TOP STORY

A look back at the year

From May 28, 2016

From Staff Reports

Hereford hero finally home

BRAND/John Carson

An escort by Hereford Police Department, Deaf Smith County Sheriff's Office, Texas State Patrol and Amarillo Police Department accompany the remains of U.S. Marine Pfc. Elmer Mathies Jr. in his return to Hereford on Wednesday.

By John Carson BRAND Managing Editor The motorcade of municipal, county and state law enforcement officers began in Oklahoma City, traversed Interstate 40 into the Panhandle and west past Amarillo.

As the procession reached the Deaf Smith County line, Deaf Smith County Sheriff J. Dale Butler and units from his office – as well as Hereford Police Chief Brent Harrison and HPD units – fell in line behind a dozen Amarillo Police Department motorcycle units, three Department of Public Safety State Patrol cruisers and a hearse.

Turning off U.S. 60, the cavalcade proceeded up Park Avenue as groups of citizens waved American flags as the procession passed.

One-by-one, the vehicles turned into the parking lot of Hereford Heritage Funeral Home as the hearse continued to a carport next to a rear door.

Moments later – with Butler and two deputies on one side and a trio of Texas state troopers on the other – a flag-draped coffin was pulled from the back of the hearse, loaded onto a gurney and rolled inside.

Pfc. Elmer Mathies Jr. was home.

Wednesday’s arrival PLEASE SEE HERO | 4

BRAND/John Carson

As Deaf Smith County celebrates the holidays and all prepare to turn the page on a new year, the Hereford BRAND is putting a bow on 2016 with a look back over the top stories, people and news events of the year.

“It is a long-standing newspaper tradition that editions during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day feature a review of the ending year,” BRAND managing editor John Carson said. “This was most definitely an interesting news year for Deaf Smith County.”

The review kicks off in this edition, and nowhere is the aspect of “an interesting news year” more evident than in 2016’s top story.

In virtually all instances, a year’s top story is just that – one story. However, this year brought a rarity to Hereford and Deaf Smith County in that the top story was actually a multi-story news event.

Clearing the tape as No. 1 news item of the year was the return of U.S. Marine Pfc. Elmer Mathies Jr. to Hereford after he was killed in action.

While not completely uncommon to have a soldier returned home after making the ultimate sacrifice, the case surrounding Mathies was not common.

The caveat was that Mathies was killed in action during the invasion of Tarawa on Nov. 21, 1943 in World War II. His battlefield grave was lost until the summer of 2015, and after identification was confirmed through DNA, Mathies finally came home after 73 years.

In what was arguably the epitome of a Memorial Day celebration, more than 3,000 residents lined streets and surrounded the graveside as Mathies was laid to rest next to his parents in West Lawn Cemetery.

The funeral – which included full-blown, active-duty military honors – featured a eulogy

An honor guard that included Deaf Smith County Sheriff J. Dale Butler and two deputies, left, and three Texas state troopers unload the remains of Elmer Mathies for a Saturday burial next to his parents in West Park Cemetery.

PLEASE SEE LOOK | 4

Leadership main topic among the top stories of 2016 From Staff Reports

ployers – which also happen to be public entities.

For many, much of the news focus in The first spot to become vacant was 2016 was on the race to the White House that of Hereford Regional Mediand election of a new president. cal Center CEO after Greg Reinart An often venomous campaign tendered his effective April 1 resended in veritable upset as the ignation on Feb 1. proclaimed “leadership of the free When he departed, Gene Shuler world” changed hand. took over as interim while the Changes in leadership also board launched a search for a predominated the year’s news in new CEO. Hereford and Deaf Smith County A list of 64 applicants was as two of the county’s largest empared to 12 – of which four finalployers named new leaders and ists were brought in to for midseveral seats on elected boards June interviews – before former BARNHEART throughout the county and city Lynn County Hospital District have new occupants.

CEO Jeff Barnhart was named CEO on The most notable among the leader- June 21. ship changes came from the large em-

The Deaf Smith County Hospital Dis- after 16 years for the same position in trict Board of Directors (DSCHD) ran Galveston. afoul of state open record laws after reWhat followed was discussion, debate fusing to disclose the names of and controversy among the HISD the four finalists.

Board of Trustees over the next Board attorneys demanded the several weeks with about which BRAND file a formal Freedom ideas of a short search, long of Information request for the search and prospect of naming names before admitting there an interim were tossed. was no legal basis to their denyA 4-3 trustee vote July 12 aping information and releasing all proved the hiring of an interim, the finalists’ names. but did not include naming one At the same time DSCHD was or approval to post the district’s nearing the finish line on its superintendent opening. search, Hereford Independent BLANKENSHIP Six days later, former NacogdoSchool District (HISD) found itches ISD Superintendent Rodney self looking for a superintendent when Hutto was named interim.

Kelli Moulton announced she was leaving Another 4-3 PLEASE SEE LEADERS | 4

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People

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

From May 28, 2016

Have news to share? John Carson, Managing Editor, editor@herefordbrand.com

By John Carson BRAND Managing Editor On March 20, 1941, a disillusioned and determined Hereford teenager emerged from a recruiting office in Oklahoma City as a member of the United States Marine Corps.

And thus, the odyssey of Elmer Mathies Jr. began.

for the 2 n d B attal ion and orders came to ship out.

The destination Prologue was Guadalcanal in the Born in Crosbyton, southern Solomon Islands.

Texas on July 30, 1923, On Aug. 7, the 1st Mathies was the oldest Marine Division had of Elmer Sr. and Eunice’s named three children.

E l w i n anchored the Allies’ Mathies’ lone living Hart, who first invasion of a Pacific immediate family member had cajoled a island as the spearhead of – sister Mary Jo Hopson, recruiter into 60,000-man force.

What was expected 86, of Plano, who was six allowing him to enlist. to be a relatively short years his junior – recalled Although platoon- and him as a typical youngster unit-mates, predominant campaign had turned into growing up who reveled in unit responsibilities and a brutal struggle to take, the academic and social training allowed for the retake, hold and defend experiences of high school two to develop little more air strips and key points where the family lived in than an acquaintance-type against 36,200 Japanese defenders.

California. relationship.

The struggle had taken “He really liked However, that relaits toll on all combatants everything about school when elements of the there,” Hopson said.

2nd Marines Division “He was happy.” at Tutuila – including Then his world was Headquarters Comturned upside down. pany – were called to Between Elmer Jr.’s relieve and reinforce junior and senior depleted and years of high school, exhausted 1st Division the family moved comrades. from California to According to USMC Hereford. records, Mathies, While a significant Hart and the rest enough event in the of Headquarters life of any 17-yearCompany “parold of veritably any ticipated in action generation, dark against the enemy” clouds quickly on Guadalcanal from gathered on the Nov. 4, 1942 to Feb. horizon of Mathies’ 8, 1943 – a day before future when he the overall campaign received shocking was officially deemed news from Hereford complete.

Independent School Of the 60,000 District.

Allied troops, 7,100 “He was told he Americans were killed did not have enough and another 7,789 credits to graduate,” Photo courtesy U.S. Marine Corps wounded.

Hopson said. “That Photo of Elmer Mathies Jr. taken upon his Of the 36,200 really upset him.

“From then on, enlistment into the U.S. Marine Corps on Japanese defenders, only 8,500 of the he only wanted two March 20, 1941.

19,200 dead were things – out of high school and to be a Marine.” tionship would prove killed in action and just 11 Mathies decided to solve fateful during the next were taken prisoner.

For its service during the both problems in one three-quarters of a blow. century.

Making the trek to Gears shifted quickly Oklahoma City, he for Mathies, Hart and all secured Marine enlistment Marines on Dec. 7, 1941. papers and headed back By January 1942, to Hereford – needing Mathies – who had gotten parental consent to join the nickname Rabbit since he was 17.

– along with Hart, H “He got our parents to Company and the 8th sign,” Hopson said. “He Marines were aboard was much, much happier.” the U.S. Navy Transport Matsonia steaming Elmer Mathies Jr., across the Pacific toward the island of Tutuila in USMC Mathies started his American Samoa.

From April-July 1942, fateful career as a Marine in boot camp as part of USMC records list H the 2nd Recruit Battalion Company, 2nd Battalion, at Camp Elliott in San 8th Marines as “in the field.”

Diego, Calif.

The designation turned Following the 12 weeks of basic training, Pvt. out to be war-time, Mathies was assigned to military jargon that could H Company, 2nd Battalion, mean anything from a unit 8th Marines Regiment at being in active combat to training to rest and Camp Elliott.

His platoon in H relaxation (R&R).

However, Hart said Company was a field communications unit the unit was undergoing where the 4 0 - p l u s intensified training for company members had what they were told was main and overlapping “an upcoming operation.” responsibilities as radio Reassigned and telephone operators, The subject of the wiremen, linemen and training started to take technicians.

Also assigned to H focus in October 1942 Company was a 15-year- when H Company became old, high school graduate Headquarters Company

Guadalcanal Campaign, Mathies, Hart and Headquarters Company earned a Presidential Unit Citation ribbon bar with two stars.

More importantly, the end of the campaign brought reassignment to New Zealand and some needed R&R. During the next nine months, units refitted, refurbished and recovered

from wounds, injuries and the ravages of malaria contracted on Guadalcanal.

All of which was accompanied by the nowusual training.

The months in New Zealand also brought to light the 2nd Division’s true purpose in the Pacific.

The Allies – primarily led by U.S. forces – had adopted a two-prong

strategy against the Japanese.

The invasion of Guadalcanal was the opening salvo of the southern prong – led by the 1st Marines Division and Army units under overall command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur – designed to drive through the Solomons and New Guinea into the Phillipines.

Meanwhile, the northern prong – under overall command of Adm. Chester Nimitz – would conduct an island-hopping campaign through the central Pacific chains of the Gilbert, Marshall and Mariannas islands to Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Spearheading the northern prong was the 2nd Marines Division.

Headquarters Company’s next assignment would put Mathies in the crosshairs of destiny.

Tarawa

The pre-dawn calm of Nov. 20, 1943 were shattered as ships of the then-largest U.S. invasion fleet ever assembled opened fire on the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands.

For more than three hours the bombardment continued as 17 aircraft carriers, 12 battleships, eight heavy cruisers, four light cruisers, 66 destroyers and 36 transport ships awaited for the full-scale invasion to begin.

Divvied among the 36 transports were 35,000 PLEASE SEE ODYSSEY | 3

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

People

From May 28, 2016

Hereford BRAND | 3

Have news to share? John Carson, Managing Editor, editor@herefordbrand.com

ODYSSEY: FROM PAGE 2

troops from the 2nd Marines Division and 27th Army Division.

The target on the southern tip of the atoll was Betio Island – a 2-mile-long, triangular island that spanned 800 yards at its widest.

Awaiting the invaders were 4,819 potential defenders, Potential in the aspect that only 2,619 were Imperial Japanese troops. The remaining 2,200 consisted of 1,000 Photo courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps Japanese and 1,200 Korean construction Commanders review a relief map of Tarawa Atoll and attack plans with Marines before the Nov. 20, 1943 invasion of Betio workers.

However, defenders Island.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps were heavily entrenched, he started ashore until he came command post Marines in Higgins boats head toward invasion beaches behind a smoke screen obscuring Betio well-armed, and among the across a wounded company at the other Island. Little did they know problems with a reef were looming.

2,619 troops were 1,500 lieutenant near the beach. end of the members of the Special Naval “I tried to stop and help him, beach and central command could do for Rabbit [Mathies]. somewhat unexpected.

Landing Force – Japanese but he just told me to get my aboard the U.S.S. Maryland.

We had to move on. We just did What ultimately lay on the marines, who were better- ass ashore and get my radio set Mathies quickly volunteered, our jobs and tried not to think other side was shattering. equipped, better-trained, up,” said Hart, then a sergeant and Hart said he and Hogue about him there.”

“We regret to inform you..,” better-disciplined and more and part of a three-man radio disappeared over the lip of On Nov. 23, the battle of the opening to the telegram tenacious than regular team in the outfit. read. the dugout and headed up the Tarawa was won.

Japanese soldiers.

Among the Allies, 1,696 It was Christmas Eve 1943.

Hart located another beach.

Commanders thought little member of his radio crew were killed – of which 1,009 Elmer and Eunice Mathies had While they were gone, of the invasion beginning 30 upon reaching the beach, and Hart was able to connect to were Marines – and 2,101 were just learned their oldest child minutes later than its 9 a.m. both found cover in a mortar regimental command and had wounded – all Marines.

– Elmer Jr. – had been killed scheduled start and were in action while serving completely unaware of as a Marine in the south several severe problems Pacific. awaiting the landing force “I was still very young before it could even reach when the telegram came,” the beach. recalled Hopson, who was As Mathies, Hart and 13 when the news came. about 20 other members “Mom and Dad took it of Headquarters Company hard, but they were strong made their way down people. They knew there cargo netting to a landing were a lot of casualties in craft for transport to the the war. beach, their training was “They accepted it at the forefront. and went on. It was First, based on hard, but they knew Guadalcanal, the landing it was something a lot would be unopposed of families were going with defenders opting to through.” lure invasion troops into Although there was a the jungle and toward hole, life went on for the fortified positions.

Mathies family.

Second, planners had Throughout the war and made concessions for a as late as 1948, literally problematic coral reef thousands of U.S. soldiers, that separated the open sailors and Marines ocean from a lagoon the were disinterred from led to landing beaches. battlefield cemeteries in The landing crafts – North Africa, Europe and known as Higgins boats – the Pacific and returned were shallow-draft vessels to their families for Photo courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps designed to literally sail hometown burials. onto a beach and drop a Mathies, Hart, Headquarters Company and other Marines in the initial landing were forced to slog through neck-deep water When the cemeteries on bow ramp to allow troops more than 500 yards under withering enemy fire to reach shore.

Tarawa were reclaimed to exit. and remains sent home Wanting a morning invasion, pit as Japanese fire raked the started communication by Of the 4,819 soldiers and during the latter part of 1944 planners moved the preferred beachhead. the time Hogue and Mathies workers on Betio, 4,690 were and early 1945, Mathies were near-dawn departure to 9 a.m. killed with only 129 workers not among them.

Already in the pit were 2nd returned. so a rising tide could provide a Battalion Wire Chief Sgt. Dick Despite the fact that Marine Hart said Hogue immediately and 17 soldiers captured.

5-foot draft over the reef. The Hogue and three members of dived into the pit for cover In what would become a burial records were precise, draft of a Higgins boat was 4 a wiremen team – including upon return, while Mathies grisly routine during the next the location of the graves of feet.

Mathies. remained crouched on the lip two years, American dead – Mathies and almost 40 others The first problem Marines including Mathies – were buried could not be found.

As Hart began setting up of the dugout.

Hart recalled that just as Hogue was shouting at Mathies to get into the pit, a shot rang out.

Mathies crumpled and slid into the base of the pit.

Hogue rushed to his side and tried to revive him, but his efforts were fruitless.

The sniper’s bullet had pierced the young Marine’s heart. Mathies was dead.

Hart recalled that Hogue “was pretty shook up” over the incident – as were all the Marines in the dugout – but there was little they could do about it.

There was no time to mourn. The battle of Tarawa was barely an hour old and far from over.

Mathies’ body was Photo courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps Photo courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps pushed to the top of the Two Marines rest on a destroyed Sherman tank as the dead bodies of fallen In a dugout similiar to the one where Mathies was killed, Marines battle Japadugout, where it stayed for comrades litter the invasion beach at Tarawa. nese defenders on Betio Island. the remaining 76 hours of the battle as Hart and the faced was incoming fire as radio equipment, Hogue others manned radios and in military, island cemeteries.

Subsequent Marine landing craft started toward asked for a volunteer to coordinated communications documents in April 1945 show shore. This was to be the first help him find more sets and in the pit.

Grave 10, Row A a memorial grave for Mathies contested island landing of the run communications lines The knock on the door to the in cemetery 33, row 1, plot 1 “We had a job to do,” Hart war. between the pit, the regimental said. “There was nothing we Mathies home in Hereford was on Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll.

That situation was The Department of Defense exacerbated by the second eventually officially listed problem. the remains of Mathies as Although allowances were “non-recoverable” after it made for draft levels and the was determined that postreef, invasion planners were battle construction on Betio unaware the morning of Nov. had inadvertently destroyed 20 would see a neap tide. the graves of Mathies and the Instead of the 5-foot draft others. over the reef, the neap tide As the decades passed, made it just 3 feet.

Mathies’ parents died, as did The water was neck deep as his brother, leaving Hopson as Mathies and Hart slipped over the lone survivor. the side. Their Higgins boat, She held out hope for more like numerous others along the than 50 years that somehow invasion line, had snagged on her brother would be found the reef. and brought home.

The air was alive with the She accepted the apparent sound of whirring insects as reality just more than a decade bullets zipped by their heads, ago – requesting a military while others caused small headstone for her brother that splashes as they ripped into was placed between the graves the water around them. of their parents in West Park Periodically geysers would Cemetery. shoot up after mortar and “I just wish my parents could artillery rounds fell nearby as still be alive,” Hopson said of they made their way around the headstone honoring her wounded and dead comrades brother. and through more than 500 While the most she could do yards of blood-stained water at the time, it was not the end to shore. of Mathies’ odyssey.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps With the unit scattered after leaving the boat, Hart lost track Mathies, like the other 1,008 Marines killed on Betio, was buried in an island cemetery that was subsequently lost of all members of his boat as then rediscovered in 2015.

PLEASE SEE ODYSSEY | 4

4 | Hereford BRAND

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

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LOOK:

HERO: From May 28, 2016

LEADERS:

FROM PAGE 1

FROM PAGE 1

FROM PAGE 1

by retired Marine Col. Elwin Hart, a unit-mate who was within a few feet of Mathies when he was killed and eventually proved instrumental in the discovery of his lost remains.

The entire event had stories on the return of Mathies’ remains to town accompanied by a local, regional and state law enforcement escort, an acclaimed feature on Mathies’ journey from his enlistment to his return and coverage of the May 28 funeral service.

That coverage is reprinted in this edition.

While many of the remaining top stories for 2016 are stories, the year’s news uniqueness again appears in that most of them revolve around a single topic – leadership.

Numerous leadership roles in both Deaf Smith County and Hereford changed hands this year through a variety of reasons from resignations, hirings, relocations, elections and appointments.

The BRAND rings out the old year in Saturday’s edition with a 2016 Year in Review that will feature a month-by-month look at the year’s news.

That edition will also include the year’s top photos.

The

Hereford BRAND was established in February 1901

marked the penultimate event in a journey for Mathies that spanned three continents, more than 20,000 miles, two of the major Pacific battles of World War II and almost three-quarters of a century.

A U.S. Marine, Mathies was killed in action during the opening hours of the Allied invasion of Tarawa in November 1943.

The location of his island gravesite was lost and his remains were deemed “unrecoverable” by the Department of Defense in 1947.

During the past year, a non-profit group discovered the remains of some 40 Marines buried on Tarawa.

Dog tags and dental records identified one of those as Mathies.

Subsequent DNA testing – completed earlier this year – confirmed the identification, and

wheels were set in motion to bring him back to Hereford.

A long-delayed funeral service for Mathies will be held Saturday at 2 p.m., in First United Methodist Church.

The eulogy will be delivered by retired USMC Col. Elwin Hart.

Hart, then a sergeant who served with Mathies and witnessed his death on Tarawa, was also instrumental in the recovery of his remains in 2015.

Following the service, burial with full military honors will take place in West Park Cemetery, where Mathies – who is already remembered there by a headstone – will be laid to final rest next to his parents.

Also attending the services will be Mathies’ closest relative – 86-yearold sister Mary Jo Hopson of Plano.

his office. vote after three hours of On the Hereford City discussion during a Sept.

Commission, four seats 13 called meeting resulted was up and only one in HISD Assistant Superinwas opposed, but two tendent Sheri Blankenship new members are on the – the choice of the three board. dissenters on July 12 – beCommissioners Angie ing named to the post.

Alonzo (Place 2), Cathy The 2016 elections creBunch (Place 5) and Sam ated a number of local Metcalf (Place 6) ran uncomings and goings in a opposed, while Place 4’s variety of manners.

Linda Cumpton saw a lastThe year started with second challenge from IsDeaf Smith County Comrael Martinez. missioner Pat Smith While Cumpton announcing he won re-election, would not seek Metcalf announced re-election to his his resignation in Precinct 1 seat. A April because of a three-term commove. missioner, Smith Per state law, cited increasing commissioners hearing difficulappointed Marcos ties as his reason Castro to assume for stepping down.

Metcalf’s seat.

In the March priRelocation creKAHLICH mary, Republican ated a change on Chris Kahlich easthe HISD Board of ily outdistanced former Trustees when Clay Mccommissioner Armando Neely took over the DisGonzalez before facing trict 7 when Kyle McNett no November opposition moved from the county. for the seat. Kahlich will Other top news stories be sworn in January. of 2016 included the May A number of elected 30 arrest and subsequent county ran unopposed July trial of Deaf Smith with Precinct 3 CommisCounty Clerk of Court sion Mike Brumley, Tax Imelda DeLaCerda on Assessor-Collector Tetraffic charges and giving resa Garth and Constable a false identity; HISD havBryan Hedrick returning ing all its campuses meet to office. state accountability stanSheriff J. Dale Butler dards for the first time had independent opposisince 2005 and the neartion in the general eleccompleted construction of tion, but easily retained a Love’s Travel Stop.

ODYSSEY: From May 28, 2016 FROM PAGE 3

Find Rabbit

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As harrowing as the experience on Tarawa was for Headquarters Company – and particularly the small group of Marines in the beachhead mortar pit – Hart said it was something he “put out of my mind for years.”

It wasn’t that he did not want to recall the incident. Reality proved that Tarawa was just the beginning for Hart.

Opting to make the Marines a career, Hart also saw action throughout the remainder of the Pacific Campaign before also serving in Korea and Vietnam.

After 33 years in the Corps, Hart retired as a full colonel.

Following retirement and the death of his wife of 63 years, Hart joined a writing group at the retirement home where he lived.

At the behest of his sister, Hart penned a memoir entitled “Did I Do Enough?” that included a chapter on Tarawa and detailed the incident at the mortar pit on the beach.

The story prominently mentioned Mathies, but only referred to him as Rabbit because Hart did not know his real name.

Rick Stone contacted Hart to initiate efforts to identify Rabbit and began sending Hart emails with photos of 2nd Battalion Marines killed at Tarawa.

“On the third email,” Hart said, “there was Rabbit.”

Stone told Hart that Rabbit

was actually Elmer Mathies Jr. and he was still on Tarawa, as Hart said, “amid the many still interred on that little hell-hole.”

Stone, as it turned out, is part of a non-profit foundation known at History Flight that works to recover remains of military service members buried overseas.

“I told Rick that if Rabbit can be recovered and identified, I would get him interred along with my family in Tahoma National Cemetery in Washington state,” Hart said. “I may be the only living survivor of our little group of communicators from [Headquarters Company] and can claim some relationship as a brother-in-arms to Rabbit.

“Also, if this story makes it into print, we may discover some distant relative to Rabbit that no one had been able to locate. That is my message – find Rabbit.”

Revelation

Through his contact with Stone, Hart not only found out exactly who Rabbit was, he was able to connect with Hopson.

Making her aware of the efforts to locate her brother, Hart stayed in contact with Hopson to provide updates.

Again fate intervened.

During the summer of 2015, at essentially the same time Hart issued his “find Rabbit” request, members of a History Flight crew on Tarawa uncovered a forgotten cemetery containing

BRAND/John Carson

Elmer Mathies' journey nears completion Wednesday as state, county and municipal law enforcement escorted the hearse carrying his remains back to Hereford in advance of his Saturday long-delayed funeral service. the remains of some 40 Marines.

By October, dog tags and dental records had identified one of those Marines as Mathies.

Before the Corps would make formal announcement of recovering the remains, DNA testing was required for positive identification.

“I’m very hopeful because I’m the last remaining person of the family who knew him,” Hopson said while waiting for the final results. “I think it would be very nice, very honorable if I could bring Elmer Jr. back.”

In February, DNA results were in – Pfc. Elmer Mathies Jr. had been found.

Epilogue

The odyssey of Elmer Mathies Jr. drew ever closer to conclusion Wednesday when a large parade of law enforcement vehicles escorted a hearse containing Mathies’ remains from Oklahoma City to Hereford.

Saturday, the journey comes

full circle when Mathies will be laid to rest between his parents in West Park Cemetery.

“Bring him back. Bring them all back,” Hart said. “Bring them back to their families. Let their families know he’s home – he’s not lost.”

Hart, who will turn 91 next week, made the trip from Federal Way, Wash., to Hereford for Mathies’ service.

Having purchased new dress blues for the occasion, Col. Hart will deliver the eulogy at Saturday’s 2 p.m. service in First United Methodist Church.

Burial – with full military honors – will follow at the family site in West Park Cemetery.

The services in Hereford will also provide the first opportunity for Hart and Hopson, who will also attend, to meet face-to-face.

“This is something I thought for so many years would never happen,” Hopson said. “I just wish my parents were alive.

“Elmer Jr. is home.”

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• Praire Acres Activities: 10, Movie & Snacks; 11:30, Background music; 4, Tenth St. Church of Christ; 7:30, Dominoes Mondays • Rotary Club, noon, Sugarland Mall Grill • Deaf Smith County Historical Museum regular hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and only by appointment on Sunday • Troop 50 Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Northwest Elementary. All boys ages 11-18 are invited to participate.

Call 289-5354 for information.

• Al-Anon Group, 7 p.m. at Fellowship of Believers Church, 245 Kingwood, for more information call 364-6045 or 676-7662.

• Hereford Retired School Employees Association meeting will be at 12 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Center.

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Tuesdays • Deaf Smith County Crime Stoppers Board of Directors, 6 p.m., Hereford Police Department rec room • AA meeting, 8 p.m. Hereford Community Center, 100 Ave. C. For more information call 570-4648 • Support Group for TBI Caregivers meeting at 7 p.m. For information call 806-364-1892 or email: dgproctor@ gmail.com • Order of the Eastern Star, 7 p.m.

Masonic Hall • Pilot Club 7 a.m. King’s Manor Lamar Room • American Legion Post 192 monthly meeting at 7 p.m.

• Alpha Alpha Preceptor chapter of Beta Sigma Phi meeting at 7 p.m.

•Xi Epsilon Alpha chapter of Beta Sigma Phi meeting at 7 p.m.

• Hereford Senior Citizen Center Activities: 8 - noon, Quilting; 8 - 8:45, Pool Exercise Class (women); 9-9:45, P. Ex. class (women); 10-10:30, Floor Exercise • Praire Acres Activities: 8:30, Beauty Shop; 11:40, Background Music; 2, Manicures for our ladies & men; 7:30, Watercoloring Wednesdays • Lions Club, noon, Hereford Community Center • Bippus Extension Education Club, 2 p.m.

• NA meeting, 8 p.m., at Hereford Community Center, 100 Ave. C. For more information call 570-4648 • Hereford Senior Citizen’s Association

Tel.: 806-363-8200 Voice Resp.: 806-363-8255 Address: 3rd & Sampson Time/Temp.: 806-364-5100 Website: www.ffin.com

Board Meeting at 9 a.m.

• Hereford Senior Citizen Center Activities: 8 - noon, Quilting; 8 - 8:45, Pool Exercise Class (women); 9-9:45, P. Ex. class (women); 10-10:45, P. Ex. class (men); 11:11:45, P. Ex. class (women) 1-1:45, P. Ex. Class (men).

• Praire Acres Activities: 9:15, Zumba Gold Chair; 10, Discussion; 11:30, Chicken Soup for the Soul; 3, Bible Study; 7:30, Movie Night.

Thursdays • Hereford Toastmasters, 6:30 a.m., Amarillo College.

• Kiwanis Club, noon, Hereford Community Center.

• Hereford Day Care Center Board of Directors, noon, Hereford Country Club.

• Merry Mixers Square Dance Club, 7 p.m., Hereford Community Center.

• AA meeting, 8 p.m., Hereford Community Center, 100 Ave. C. For more information call 570-4648.

• Los Ciboleros Chapter NSDAR, 2 p.m.

• The Humane Society of Deaf Smith

County meets at 7 p.m. at the Animal Control Building.

• Hereford Senior Citizen Center Activities: 8 - noon, Quilting; 8 - 8:45, Pool Exercise Class (women); 9-9:45, P. Ex. class (women); 10-10:30, Floor Exercise; 10:30-1:00 • Praire Acres Activities: 9:15, Whoga; 10, Discussion; 11:30, Poems; 3, Bean Bag Toss; 7:30, Stain Glass Painting.

Fridays • Hereford Senior Citizen Center Activities: 8 - noon, Quilting; 8 - 8:45, Pool Exercise Class (women); 9-9:45, P. Ex. class (women); 10-10:45, P. Ex class (men); 11-11:45, P. EX class (women); 1-1:45 P. Ex. class (men); 10-1, Hereford Nursing and Rehab Health Check • Praire Acres Activities: 9:15 Zumba Gold Chair; 10, Discussion; 11:30 Guidepost; 3, Decorating Bottles; 7:30, Movie Night.

Hereford BRAND | 5

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Religion

Have church news? Want to support our local churches? April Blacksher, Office Manager, publisher@herefordbrand.com

Church News Fellowship of Believers Come begin the New Year on a positive, spiritual note at Fellowship of Believers on January 1st. We will begin with some reflections on 2016 and a prayer for the New Year.

The message by Pastor Danny Mize will be in three short parts: This Is MY Story; This Is HIS Story; and HIS story needs to be MY story! Our Scripture reading will come from Ephesians 2:1-10, with additional consideration of John 1:1-4,14 and John 3:16-19.

Hymns, led by Peggy Mize, will include: "Have Faith In God" "Blessed Assurance" "To God Be the Glory" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand." Cindy Cassels will provide piano accompaniment.

Fellowship and refreshments will be available by 10:00 a.m. and the worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Communion will be served to all who wish to partake. Fellowship of Believers is located at 245 N. Kingwood. Come join us – or leave a message at 364-0359 if you need more information.

Assembly Of God Calvary Family Church 137 Avenue G 806-364-5686 Victory Family Worship Center 606 E 15th St 806-364-0305 www.thevictory.tv

Iglesia Vida 603 E. Park Avenue 806-346-7054 All services in Español.

Baptist Avenue Baptist 130 N 25 Mile Ave. 806-364-1564

Dawn Baptist Dawn Community 806-258-7330 First Baptist Church 5th & Main Street 806-364-0696 www.fbchereford. com Frio Baptist Church 7 miles S. on FM 1055 806-276-5380 Genesis Church 1 mile N. on Hwy 385 806-364-1217 www.genesischurch.com Good News Church 621 E. 15th 806-364-5239 Inglesia Bautista Fundamental 100 South Ironwood 806-364-1844 Iglesia Bautista Nueva Vida 201 Country Club Drive 806-364-2209 Mount Sinai Baptist 302 Knight Street

Episcopal St. Thomas Episcopal Church 601 W Park Ave. 806-364-0146

InterDenominational Fellowship of Believers 245 N. Kingwood St. 806-364-0359

Jehovah Witness Jehovah Wtinesses 111 Avenue H 806-364-5763

Latter Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 500 Country Club Drive 806-364-1288

Lutheran

Immanuel Lutheran Church 100 Avenue B New Life 806-346-2740 Restoration Center www.lcms.org 15th & Whittier 806-364-8866 Palo Duro Baptist 5704 FM 809, Wilderado 806-426-3470 Summerfield Baptist 605 Walnut St., Summerfield 806-357-2535 Temple Baptist 700 Avenue K 806-364-1892 Templo La Hermosa 213 Barker Avenue 806-364-2038 Western Heritage Christian Church Westway Community Center Westway Baptist P.O. Box 178, Rural Rt. 4 806-364-5092

Catholic La Iglesia De San Jose 13th & Brevard 806-364-5053 St. Anthony’s Catholic 115 N. 25 Mile Ave. 806-364-6150

Church Of Christ 15th Street Church of Christ 15th & Blackfoot 806-364-1581

Methodist

First United Methodist 501 N. Main St 806-364-0770 www.herefordmethodist.com Iglesia Methodista San Pablo 220 Kibbe 806-364-3100

Nazarene Church of the Nazarene La Plata & Ironwood 806-364-8303 Iglesia Del Nazareno 340 Avenue H

Non

Denominational Barn Church 3948 FM 1057 806-289-5706 Christian Assembly 1206 S Main St. 806-364-5882 Living Stones Church 802 Avenue K 806-282-1138 Son Rise 502 Mabel St. Faith Mission Church of God in Christ 806-307-309

Without Walls Praise Center Central Church of 802 Avenue K Christ 806-360-2830 148 Sunset Spanish & Bi-lan806-364-1606 gual Services La Iglesia De Christo 334 Avenue E 806-364-6401 Park Avenue Church of Christ 703 W Park Ave. 806-364-6094

Pentecostal Iglesia De Cristo 103 Alamo 806-364-2906

Verse of the Day Wednesday, December 28 Psalm 55:22

22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Saturday, December 31 Romans 8:28

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Sunday, January 01 Revelation 21:5

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Presbyterian First Presbyterian 610 Lee St. 806-364-2471

Seventh Day Adventist Iglesia Adevntista Del 7 Dia 1204 Moreman St. 806-341-0315

Seventh Day Adventist 711 W Park Ave. 806-364-6127

Trinity

Fellowship Trinity Fellowship 401 W Park Ave. 806-364-0373

6 | Hereford BRAND

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Classifieds

Have a classified? Andrew Bouillon, Creative Director, design@herefordbrand.com

Apartments

Pet of the Week

Classified Advertising Policies

3 bdrm, 2 bath brick home on Juniper. Contact (806) 346-6401 between 6 & 9 p.m.

The Hereford BRAND accepts all advertisement for publication in the classified section on the premise that the product is available as described at the address advertised and will be sold at the advertised price. The Hereford BRAND reserves the right to edit, revise, properly classify or reject advertising copy which does not conform to its rules, regulation and credit policies. The Hereford BRAND does not assume liability or financial responsibility for typographical errors or omissions. We are responsible for the first and correct insertion and report any errors at one. The Hereford BRAND will not be liable for any damages or loss that might occur from errors or omissions in advertisements beyond the amount charged for the advertisements.

House for Rent, 2 bedroom, 1 bath. 124 Ranger. $700 month and $500 deposit. Call 806-364-5038.

Apartments for Rent: 806344-2390 or 806-344-2387.

Tierra Blanca Apartments now leasing, 1 and 3 bedrooms available. Call or come by today! 806-3632775

Employment

Mer-Lindy is a female mix that is a little bigger than a chihuahua. She will be a small to medium sized dog and is about as friendly as they come but is pretty hesitant with men. She would be a great addition to the family with a small child. Lindy is 13lbs and such a sweet lapdog.

Mechanic needed. Pay depends on experience. Apply in person at 1909 E. HWY 60 or call 806-3640951.

Hereford Nursing and Rehab seeking full-time dietary aid and housekeeping staff. Pick up application at human resources

NOW HIRING

JayBe

Dogs are $100 to adopt which includes their spay/ neuter and a rabies vaccination at our local vet.

Please call (806)363-6499 if you are interested!

Home Health LVN Position Available Great work environment!!!

Full time LVN needed for home nursing care.

8am to 5pm with some on call.

Competitive pay and benefit package Enthusiastic go-getter a plus!

Please apply in person at: Bluebonnet Home Health and Hospice 304 E. 11th Friona Texas (806)247-0057

Hiring for full time and part time drivers in the Hereford and Plainview area • Health Benefits • Paid Vacation • Local job with home time • Must have two years certified experience

Mesothelioma may occur 30 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. Many workers were exposed from the 1940s through the 1970s. Industrial and construction workers, along with their families (second hand exposure) are among those at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer or gastro cancer (throat, stomach, colon).

Call us for professional insight.

Call or come by in person to 3600 FM 2856 Herford, TX 79045

EXPERIENCE

COUNTS Lawyers with more than 100 years combined expertise.

Ryan A. Krebs, M.D., J.D. Doctor-Lawyer in Full-time Law Practice

Richard A. Dodd, L.C. Timothy R. Cappolino, P.C.

Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

NO FEE FOR FIRST VISIT

OffICes In HOustOn/COnrOe, teMple and austIn, prInCIpal OffICe In CaMerOn

1-800-460-0606 www.Asbestos Law.com

Ag Brokers, Ltd.

Call 806-418-5031 or 806-731-3049

Contact us! Visit our website for more detailed information.

Classifieds: 806-364-2030

Notice NOTICE OF SCHEDULED ENTRY INTO FIELDS Pursuant to Tex. Agric. Code, Sec. 74.117, cotton producers in the Northwest Plains Boll Weevil Eradication Zone, which consists of all of Bailey, Castro, Deaf Smith, Lamb, and Parmer counties and part of Randall County are hereby notified that Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation personnel will be conducting eradication activities in and around their fields, beginning January 9, 2017. All cotton fields will be mapped, and treatment will begin during the cotton-growing season.

For notification prior to any chemical treatment, call 1-800-687-1212 with the exact location of your field and appropriate telephone numbers.

Field entry and treatment is expected to last until all cotton is harvested in the zone. For more information regarding this program, please call the Texas Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation at 1-800-687-1212.

TexSCAN Week of December 25, 2016 REAL ESTATE AGENTS

We broker Agriculture! Land and agricultural consultants, over 100 years of experience, petroleum and minerals, wildlife and ranch management, land brokerage and auctions, Ag Brokers, 1- 806-679-2645, www. agbrokersltd.com INSURANCE AGENTS WANTED Earn $500 A DAY: Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Wants Insurance Agents. Leads, No Cold Calls. Commissions Paid Daily. Agency Training. Life License Required.

Call 1-888-713-6020.

SAWMILLS FOR SALE SAWMILLS from only $4397.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension.In stock ready to ship! FREE info/DVD: www.

NorwoodSawmills.com, 1-800578-1363, Ext.300N.

www.agbrokersltd.com (806) 679-2645

HEALTH

Land and Ag Business consultants with over 100 years experience:

.

AVIATION TRAINING AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance.

1-800-475-4102.

ACREAGE FOR SALE

47.75 acres,West Texas hunting, north of Comstock.Deer, javelina, turkey,quail, and dove. $2375 down, $394/mo., (9.9%,30 years).1-866-286-0199. www.ranchenterprisesltd.com.

ACREAGE FOR SALE

21.23 acres north of San Angelo.

Level with nice mesquite ACREAGE FOR tree Entry Level Heavy Equipment cover.Deer,hogs,turkey,quail, Operator Career. Get traineddove. $2926down, $485/mo., Get certified-Get hired! Bull(9.9 %, 30 years) dozers, Backhoes & Excavators. 1-800-876-9720 Immediate Lifetime Job Placewww.ranchenterprisesltd.com.

HELP WANTED

ment.VA Benefits.

1-866-362-6497.

Run Your Ad In TexSCAN!

HEALTH MALE ENHANCEMENT+ E.D. SOLUTIONS Cheaper Than Viagra or Cialis.Gain 1-3 Inches Permanently.30-Day Money Back Guarantee.FREE Brochure:1-619 294-7777www.DrJoelKaplan.com

Statewide Ad ....................$550 239 Newspapers, 617,408 Circulation

North Region Only ........$250 69 Newspapers, 165,558 Circulation $

South Region Only ....... 250 85 Newspapers, 267,744 Circulation $

West Region Only ......... 250 85 Newspapers, 184,106 Circulation

• Ag businesses • Land brokerage • Brokerage • Oil & gas exploration and development • Mineral leasing and title examination • Ranch leasing

• Estate auction • Ranch, livestock and wildlife management.

• Livestock risk management • Wind and solar project, leasing and development.

Please consider us for your land purchase, sale, management or consulting needs.

Steve Sykes, Agent

www.sykesland.com

WE BUY OIL, GAS, &

MINERAL RIGHTS

Both non-producing and producing

including Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI) Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation.

CALL TODAY: 806.620.1422

LOBO MINERALS, LLC PO Box 1800 • Lubbock, TX 79408-1800

LoboMineralsLLC@gmail.com

To Order: Call this Newspaper direct, or call Texas Press Service at 1-800-749-4793 Today!

NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, We cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 1-800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop

Bulletin Board RICHARD C. (R.C.) HOELSCHER ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW

Monday - Friday

8:30 a.m. thru 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. thru 5 p.m.

Monday - Thursday

GILILLAND INSURANCE ASSOCIATES

B.J. Gililland

Attorney services by Appoinment Only

P.O. Box 1775, 304 West Third, Hereford TX 79045 PHONE NO. (806) 364-1200 • FAX (806) 364-9130

BARRETT PLUMBING Serving Hereford and area for over 45 years Licensed and Bonded #M9828

806-364-1818 Harold Barrett Responsible Master Plumber

P.O Box 1600 Hereford, TX 79045

CHRIS GABEL AUTOMOTIVE

Complete Automotive Service Major & Minor Engine Repair

Transmission Overhauls Computer Controls Oil Changes Air Conditioning Electrical

Tune-Ups Brakes Alignments Mufflers

806-363-2886

240 N 25 Mile Ave

Credit Cards Accepted

Ph. (806) 364-1881 Fax (806) 364-8655

201 E. Park Ave. • P.O. Box 232 Hereford, Texas 79045

806-364-1919

I’M SOLD ON

Whiteface

out our Service Department for all your service repairs & maintenance 550 N 25 Mile Ave • Hereford, Tx

Advertise Here!

2x2: $30 per week 2x4: $50 per week Ad will be in both Wednesday and Saturday editions.

To advertise call April at 806-364-2030

Lewy Body Dementia?

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia?

Suffer From Visual Hallucinations?

Been hearing or seeing things that are not actually present?

You may qualify for a research study that is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a new investigational medication that may help to reduce the symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia or Parkinson’s Disease Dementia if: • You are aged 50 - 85 years with a diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies • You suffer from visual hallucinations that occur on more days than not • Medications you take have been on a consistent dose for at least 4 weeks For More Information, Please Contact Sleep Therapy and Research Center, Dr. James Andry or Sue Rafati at (210) 614-6000

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Obits/People

Have news to share? John Carson, Managing Editor, editor@herefordbrand.com

From June 1, 2016

In Memory of Billy Joe "Bill" Deavers 1943 -2016

Bill went to be with our glorious Lord and Savior on December 23, 2016.

A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 2:00 pm, Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at First United Methodist Church.

Mr. Danny Mize, Pastor of Fellowship of Believers Church, Hereford, will officiate.

A Graveside service is scheduled for 3:00 pm, Wednesday, December 28, 2016, in IOOF Cemetery, Maramec, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Hereford Heritage Funeral Home, 411 E 6th Street, Hereford, TX. Billy Joe Devers was born July 23, 1943 to Ray and Florene Devers in Shidler, OK. He lived in Shidler until the summer of 1959 when his family moved to Spearman, TX. After graduating from Spearman High School in 1961, he proceeded to West Texas State University. He loved his time at WTSU singing in the Chorale, performing in various musicals, and holding the honor of Student Conductor for Dr. Houston Bright.

He graduated with a Bachelors of Music Education in 1966. During his time in college, he met Elva Siburt, and they married on February 9, 1963. Upon graduating college, his first teaching job as a choir director was in Hereford, TX. He and Elva moved to Hereford, started their lives as educators in the Hereford School System, and raised their family there together for 27 years. One of his proudest achievements was performing in the original cast of the musical drama TEXAS from 1966 to 1969. Also, anyone who knew him knew his love for barbershop. Over a span of 35 years, he sang in a Barbershop Quartet with Bobby Boyd and Dean Kelley as the primary members. Others participating through the years were George Ochs, Bill Rawlings, Bill Penn, Bob Stice, Randy Talley, Billy Talley, and Robert McFarland. Knowing the adult musical talent that lived in Hereford, he created the Hereford Chamber Singers in October of 1974 accompanied by his wife, Elva. Auditions were held each year, and approximately 30 of the best performers were chosen. Members included educators, businessmen and women, farmers, moms, dads, doctors, and lawyers.

For a short time, there were three special members – his daughter, Diana, son, Scott, and brother, Roy Lee. Hereford Cham-

ber Singers provided over 20 years of musical enjoyment not only for Hereford and the Texas Panhandle, but the world. Throughout the years, they performed locally for various groups such as Hereford Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club events, the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, King's Manor, and the Texas Bi-Centennial celebration. They were invited to sing in the Rotunda of the Texas Capitol in Austin and invited twice to perform for the Texas Choral Directors Association in San Antonio. During the summer of 1977, this prestigious group was invited to sing in Romania under the auspices of Friendship Ambassadors out of New York City. However, one of their greatest honors was being chosen as one of 25 choirs out of one thousand audition tapes submitted world-wide to perform at World Expo '88 in Brisbane, Australia. Bill always had a heart to help the poor and underprivileged. He acquired and renovated some old army barracks and began Sonshine Acres, a home for transients and homeless people. Though it was only in operation three years, it helped and blessed many. Bill received two individual awards of honor. In 1986, he was chosen as the Citizen of the Year of Deaf Smith County, and in 1989 he was one of the seven recipients of the "Seven Who Care" award, presented by KVII TV in Amarillo, for recognition of his work with the poor and homeless. Even though he received many accolades throughout his professional career, he considered his three children as his greatest accomplishments. He was so proud of "My Di" – Diana, "MockinRockin'" – Monica, and "My Boy" – Scott, and always taught them that what is on the inside is what matters most.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Florene Devers, one sister, Peggy Devers Redwine, and two precious grandsons, Jason Dye and Bryce Devers.

He is survived by two daughters, "My Di" of Canyon, "Mockin-Rockin'" and husband, Darren "Holiness" of Canyon; one son, "My Boy" and wife Carissa of Stroud, OK; two brothers, Don "Duck" Devers and wife Charlotte "Riley" of Carlsbad, NM, Roy Lee "Werlie" Devers, Sr. of Hereford; six grandchildren, Hannah "My Precious" Dye and Josiah "My Man" Dye of Canyon, Shelby Devers of Georgia, Delaney "Sweet D" Devers and Josh Palmer, Grant "Who-wah" Garrett, and Mallory "Wonderful Mallory" Devers; one greatgrandson, Jaxson Palmer, all of Stroud, OK; as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and many close friends.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in memory of Bill Devers, to "The $50 Fund" at Fellowship of Believers Church, P. O. Box 2425, Hereford, TX 79045.

Express your condolences to the family and sign the online guest book at www.herefordheritagefh. com.

Hereford BRAND | 7

BRAND/John Carson

A U.S. Marine Corps honor guard fires a 21-gun salute to Marine Pfc. Elmer Mathies Jr. during his belated burial ceremony Saturday at West Park Cemetery.

Mathies finally laid to rest

Rest in peace, Marine

By John Carson BRAND Managing Editor “The streets of heaven are guarded by Marines, and Rabbit is one of those Marines.”

In what may have been the epitome of a Memorial Day celebration, Hereford residents turned out in force Saturday to pay tribute to and honor the ultimate sacrifice made by a local member of the U.S. armed forces.

More than 2,000 people were witness to a funeral, procession and burial service for U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Elmer “Rabbit” Mathies Jr., more than 70 years after his death.

Mathies, who joined the Marines in March 1941 as a 17-year-old, saw combat action against the Japanese at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands before he was killed by a sniper during the opening hours of the invasion of Tarawa Atoll on Nov. 20, 1943.

Buried in an island, military cemetery, the grave sites of Mathies and more than 35 other Marines were effectively lost by post-battle construction – causing the Department of Defense to deem Mathies’ remains “non-recoverable.”

A non-profit organization known as History Flight – which is specifically set up to find, recover and return home remains of American troops killed abroad – discovered the lost cemetery over the summer.

The first remains recovered, officials noted, were those bearing the dog tags of Elmer Mathies Jr. Dog tags and dental records identified the remains as those of Mathies,

Semper Fi BRAND/John Carson

Taps is played Saturday as U.S. Marine Pfc. Elmer Mathies Jr., who was killed in the Battle of Tarawa in 1943, is finally laid to rest at home in Hereford after his remains were lost for more than 70 years. however, before official identification was made, all remains from the lost cemetery were sent to Pearl Harbor for conclusive DNA testing.

DNA confirmed the remains as Mathies’, and plans were set in motion to bring him home for burial in a family plot at West Park Cemetery.

“He was an unsung hero,” retired USMC Col. Elwin Hart said in a eulogy

during a funeral service at First United Methodist, where Mathies and family were members. “There is no doubt in my mind.

“The streets of heaven are guarded by Marines, and Rabbit is one of those Marines.”

A full house witnessed the funeral, which featured an address by U.S. Navy chaplain Capt. Stephen Shaw, active-duty Marine honor guard and eulogy

by Hart – who witnessed Mathies’ death and played an instrumental part in his discovery and return to Hereford.

Also in attendance were Mathies’ lone surviving immediate family member, 85-year-old sister Mary Jo Hopson, a sister-in-law and a dozen other relatives, as well as Earl Lance, who enlisted with and went PLEASE SEE MATHIES |8

Happy New Year!

First Financial Bank will be closed on Monday, January 2, 2017.

Normal Banking hours will resume on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.

MEMBER FDIC

FFIN.COM | 806-363-8200

Hereford BRAND Holiday Deadlines December 31st Edition Must be received by Dec. 28th at 5 p.m.

January 4th Edition Must be received by Jan. 3rd at 10 a.m.

The BRAND office will be closed Dec. 26th and Jan. 2nd

BRAND/John Carson

Retired USMC Col. Elwin Hart, who witnessed Mathies’ death on Tarawa and played a key part in the recovery and return of his remains, delivers the eulogy Saturday in which he called Mathies “an unsung hero.”

BRAND/John Carson

Above, a member of the USMC fire salute squad respectfully and patiently awaits the arrival of Mathies’ remains Saturday to West Park Cemetery.

8 | Hereford BRAND

People

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

From June 1, 2016

MATHIES: FROM PAGE 7

through basic training with Mathies.

Following the church service, the Marine pallbearers marched in front of the hearse as the funeral procession worked its way up Main Street to Park Avenue to West Park Cemetery between a throng of citizens lining the route to wave flags and pay their respects.

More than 500 people waited at the cemetery for the procession to arrive as American flags flapped in the breeze along the entry way.

A ring of flagbearers from the Texas Panhandle Patriot Guard Honors provided a corridor and encircled the grave site as the Marine pallbearers removed the casket from the hearse and began their march to the grave.

A 21-gun salute by a

Marine honor squad and taps followed as pallbearers performed the ritual of folding the flag that had draped the coffin.

Assuming command of the ritual, Hart received the folded flag and slid three cartridges from the fire salute into the folds before presenting the flag – “on behalf of a grateful nation” – to Hopson.

“What this means is that after 73 years, we finally got him home,” Hopson said. “This is something I never thought would happen.

“I just wish my parents could have been here.”

Hopson stopped and glanced over at her parents’ headstones just a few feet away – where an honorary stone for Mathies rests between them.

“They are.”

BRAND/John Carson

Top left, for more than 10 years, a headstone has memorialized Mathies in West Park Cemetery.

Top right, a Marine honor guard marches in front of the hearse carrying Mathies’ remains from First United Methodist Church to the grave site. Above right, a Marine portrait of Mathies is displayed above his casket during Saturday’s funeral service.

Right, Marine pallbearers make their way to Mathies’ final resting place Saturday with his flagdraped coffin. Above left and left, retired USMC Col. Elwin Hart, who witnessed Mathies’ death and was instrumental in his recovery and return, presents the flag that the coffin – in which he had placed three casings from the 21-gun salute – to Mathies’ lone surviving immediate family member, 85-year-old sister Mary Jo Hopson, and embraces her as her brother’s 73-year odyssey home ended. Below left, members of the Texas Panhandle Patriot Guard surrounded the perimeter of Saturday’s burial site with flag bearers. Below, as Marines began folding the flag from Mathies’ coffin, a pair of World War-era fighters provide a fly-over salute to the fallen Marine.

BRAND/John Carson

Left, Marine pallbearers await their duty as Mathies’ remains laid in state at First United Methodist Church. Right, the Hereford High School U.S. Marine Corps JROTC donned dress blues and fatigues to pay their respects Saturday to a fallen Hereford leatherneck.

Have news to share? John Carson, Managing Editor, editor@herefordbrand.com