Henry L. Mathena

Henry L. Mathena, 80, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at Saint Clair Nursing Center.

Henry Luther Mathena was born in Dillon, Mo., on September 5, 1941, to Pete and Marie (Matlock) Mathena. He grew up and attended school in Saint James and then soon went to work at various places in the area, including Brown Shoe Company. In Henry’s younger years, he had an adventurous side that lead him to taking a bus toward the West and spending some time there, working on a ranch, before moving back Sullivan.

Henry was united in marriage to Sharon Wyzlic in 1966. Together they were blessed with three children: Billy, Lori Ann, and Richard. Sadly, they later divorced.

Henry was employed by Chrysler for 30 years, retiring in June of 1994. In his retirement years, Henry enjoyed quality time with his family and traveled to various states to visit them. He loved working on cars and spending time outdoors shooting rifles. He would often share about the time he shot a half inch group at 200 yards with his rifle. Henry was very curious about UFO’s. He enjoyed watching movies, especially John Wayne westerns and Star Trek, and being a member of the Bobber Café’s debate team.

Henry was proud of his accomplishments, especially his ability to become successful and financially secure in his lifetime. After his retirement, he was fortunate enough to purchase a tract of land and build his final home there. Henry was a very smart, thoughtful and fun-loving person, but most of all, he was a devoted father and family man.

Henry wanted to let his family know that he loves them and misses them, but not to worry about him because he’s better than ever with Billy and his Lord. He will be so dearly missed and lovingly remembered by many.

Henry is survived by his son, Rick Mathena and wife Janie of Washington, MO; a daughter, Lori Ann Newcomb of VA; seven grandchildren: Zain Mathena and wife Tabi, Anthony Mathena, Jonathan Mathena, Alyssa Reuschling, Christopher Williams, Greg Williams, and Alanna Newcomb; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Jean Smith; special nieces: Peggy Bryant and husband Leroy, Tammy Shipman and husband Mark, and Kelly Pounds and husband Alan; special friends, Peggy Simmons and Sharon & Ray Herrlein; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Billy Mathena; his parents; a brother, David Mathena; two sisters, Virginia Mathena & Evelyn Kean; and two brothers-in-law, Pat Kean and Jim Smith.

Funeral Services were 12 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with Pastor Leroy Bryant officiating. Cremation arrangements took place following the service and he was inurned in St. Anthony Cemetery, 11 a.m., Monday, April 18, 2022.

Visitation was 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared with Henry’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.