Joseph Mathis, Sr.

Joseph (Joe) Mathis Sr. peacefully transitioned to his eternal life surrounded by family, the night of February 7th, 2024, at the age of 75, in Hagerstown, Maryland. Born here in Maryland on April 26th, 1948, to Wayland Mathis and Minnie Houck, he went onto to serve our country from 1968 to 1970 in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. He married the love of his life, Roxie Dean Ferguson, on October 21st, 1967, just before his time of service. Upon his return, he held several jobs before beginning his lifelong career in HVAC becoming a highly skilled handyman and well-known within his field. Joe had traveled to many places throughout his life but spent most of his time as a resident of Gaithersburg, Maryland until moving to Hagerstown in 2021 to be closer to his beloved family.

This is a man who will forever be remembered for not only how hardworking he was, and how well he took care of and provided for his family, but for also always having a joke on hand or a lesson to teach. Although he didn’t have the opportunity to receive a formal education, he was a highly intelligent man who was great with mathematics, mechanics, electrical work, and a plethora of other talents. This was someone who had a magic touch; if it was broken, Joe could fix it, whether it be a broken thing or a broken smile. The knowledge he passed onto to his descendants will live on forever within them.

He spent his retirement getting well deserved rest and enjoying life with those for whom he worked so hard. When he wasn’t watching his westerns from his favorite chair, he would spend time with his great-grandchildren or watch game shows with his wife. He carried himself with humor, strength, dignity and was full of love until his last moments. He was always willing to help others and would give you the shirt off his back.

Joseph is preceded in death by both parents (Wayland & Minnie); his sisters, Pearl Gerlich and Veda Hemingway; & his two sons, Joseph Mathis Jr., and Joseph (Joey) Micheal Mathis.

Joe is survived by his lifelong partner and loving wife of 56 years, Roxie Mathis; his daughter: Angela Mathis; his grandchildren: Carissa, Ryne, Hailee, and Aidan Khan; his siblings: Gerri Houck, Lisa Houck, Albert Drieslein & August Drieslein, and Tina Jacob; his great-grandsons: Mars & Chiron Grisby, and Kelil Dotson; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Over his lifetime he touched innumerable souls, as will his departure. He left a significant impact on the world he had touched, and we would be honored to invite you to celebrate his beautifully lived life with us.

Relatives and friends may visit on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 from 11am to 12pm at the Roy W. Barber Funeral Home, 21525 Laytonsville Rd., Laytonsville, MD 20882, where a funeral service will be held at 12pm. Interment will follow at Poplar Springs Cemetery in Lisbon, MD where he will be laid to rest with his son Joey.  

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