Robert Mathis

McCLURE, Ill. -- Robert Lee "Bob" Mathis, 78, of McClure died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 15, 1931, in Flora, Texas, to Herbert and Lily Lynn Mathis. He and Donna Kee were married May 22, 1965, in Ware, Ill.

Robert was of the Pentecostal belief. He loved to play the steel guitar, was a fan of country music and was a member of the band BVD's.

Survivors include his wife, Donna of McClure; five sons, Michael (Brooksie) Mathis of Indianapolis, Jim (Jeannie) Branch of McClure, David (Tina) Mathis and Bob Mathis of Anna, Ill., Brad (Lisa) Mathis of Evansville, Ind.; two daughters, Toni (Chris) Livengood of Anna, Donnetta (Tim) Plunkett of Fort Myers, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Also two brothers, Herbert Wayne Mathis of San Antonio, Ralph Martin of Vienna, Ill.; three sisters, Sue Bresett of Herrin, Ill., Iola Baker of Dallas, Texas, Pat Smith of Sparta, Ill.; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald and Don Mathis.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Ill., and from 11 a.m. to service time Saturday at Jonesboro Pentecostal Church.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Jim Suits and the Rev. Billy Carter officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery near Dongola, Ill.

Memorials may be made to Jonesboro Pentecostal Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at the church.