William "Mike" Mathis

Memorial services for William “Mike” Mathis, 75, of Lufkin will be held Friday, December 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Lufkin with Reverend Mark A. Newton officiating. A reception will follow for family and friends at Behannon’s Warehouse at 205 N. 4th Street in Lufkin. A private burial will be held in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Mike was born August 13, 1948, in Lufkin, Texas to the late K.P. “Red” and Hazel (Weems) Mathis. He passed away December 13, 2023, surrounded by his family at Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican Hospital Las Vegas, Nevada. Mike was in Las Vegas working at the National Finals Rodeo at the time of his passing.

Mike began his professional career as a banker with Lufkin National Bank where he became Executive Vice President and particularly enjoyed helping people in the community. In 1976 he was named Coordinator of the Angelina Benefit Rodeo where he soon became known as “Mr. Rodeo.” He began announcing rodeos professionally in the late 1970’s obtaining his PRCA card in 1983. In 1989, he traded in his business suit for a cowboy hat and a full-time rodeo career. Since then, he has announced rodeos across the United States, served as a member of the PRCA Executive Council, a member of the NFR Committee, a member of the PRCA Board of Directors, and a member of the PRCA Texas Circuit Board of Directors. He loved getting to know the people and committee members in the communities where he announced, and he built lifetime friendships. His love for rodeo and his memorable voice have left a resounding echo in the history of rodeo.  Mike never lost sight of the importance of his hometown. Through Lions Club and a host of other organizations he was involved in, he was committed to doing anything he could to help make Lufkin and Angelina County better. And his heart always had a special place for his hometown rodeo, the Angelina Benefit Rodeo a/k/a “The Greatest Show on Dirt.” While rodeo was undoubtedly important to him, it never out shadowed his love for his family.  His greatest joy came from watching his grandchildren growing up and pursuing their passions.

Survivors include his loving wife, Shan Harvell Mathis of Lufkin; sons and daughters-in-law, Kirk and Donna Mathis of Lufkin, Todd and Stefani Mathis of Austin; grandchildren, Madison Kassaw and husband Tanner, Peyton Mathis, K.P. Mathis, Presley Mathis, Paisley Mathis; great-grandson, Weston Kassaw; bonus son, Jacob Moorehead of Lufkin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sherry and Steve Roper of Lufkin, Martha and Ken Mears of Houston; sisters-in-law, Barbara Mathis, Sherry Brooks, both of Lufkin; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, along with a wealth of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Susan (Rutherford) Mathis; brother, Peyton Mathis; and niece, Lauralyn Mathis Hilliard.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Lufkin Noon Lions Club Members, Round Table Members, and PRCA Members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mike Mathis Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Commercial Bank of Texas, 600 S. 1st Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901; Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919; Angelina Benefit Rodeo, P.O. Box 161, Lufkin, Texas 75902; or the organization of your choice.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Carroway Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.