Leader Publications

Jesse Charles (“Kingbee,” “Petey”) Mathison

Born: Aug. 6, 1934

Died: Feb. 5, 2013

Jesse Mathison was born Aug. 6, 1934, in Blytheville, Ark., to the union of Dan and Sara Ella Mathison, who preceded him in death.

Jesse retired from Sundstrand after 38 years of service.

He united in Holy Matrimony on Aug. 6, 1994, to Shirley McNeal. He raised a son and two daughters.

He professed a hope in Christ, was baptized and joined Macedonia Community Church in Eau Claire under the leadership of Pastor George Robinson.

He was a faithful member of the Angelic Choir until the decline of his health. Jesse loved with his whole heart.

His favorite saying was, “I’m the best in the west.”

His greatest joy in life was making people smile. He loved spending time with his family, including his granddaughters, nieces and nephews.

Jesse was preceded in death by 10 siblings. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Shirley Mathison; son, Derrick McNeal of Dowagiac; daughters, Alicia McNeal of Benton Harbor and Candise Robinson of Dowagiac; granddaughters, Dorishia and Dema McNeal of Dowagiac, Tammea McNeal of Niles and Myleecia McNeal of Benton Harbor; niece, Georgia (Roberts) Ponder; nephew, Oscar (Mila)

McNichols; loving sisters-in-law, Mary Davidson and Barbara Jones of St. Louis, Mo.; and brothers-in-law, Harry (Mary) Brown of East St. Louis, Ill., and Charles Jones of Soko, Maine; special friends, Channell Robison, Pamela Lesniak and Sonja Santoyo, all of Dowagiac; Terrie Gammons of Kalamazoo; and a host of great- and great-great nieces and nephews.

Jesse departed this life at Lakeland Community Hospital in Niles on Feb. 5, 2013.

His home going service will be on Monday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel in Dowagiac.

The family wishes to thank you for your thoughts, prayers and encouragement during their time of bereavement.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the family in care of Shirley Mathison.