Surnames: Mathis, Brants, Countryman

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Saturday, 28 Feb. 2009

Mathis, Edison Howard (30 Aug. 1917 - 20 Feb. 2009)

NEILLSVILLE -- Edison Howard Mathis, 91, of Neillsville died peacefully Friday, Feb. 20, 2009, at the Hospice Unit in Neillsville.

A memorial celebration of his wonderful life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009, at the Neillsville United Church of Christ on East Second Street. Visitation will take place at the church Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Edison was born Aug. 30, 1917, in Hooppole, Ill., to Howard Edison and Maude (Brants) Mathis. He attended Hooppole schools. He married the love of his life, Anita Sylvia Countryman, on Feb. 28, 1938.

He and his family moved to Neillsville in 1959 in pursuit of following his lifelong dream of farming. They farmed all their lives, retiring in the 1980s, but remained on the farm. Farming was his life and his son, grandson and great-grandson will continue his legacy.

Edison served on the Clark County Board as supervisor for many years. He was proud of the work he did, especially for helping to keep mining out of Clark County. He was very conscientious of the decisions that he made and how they affected the public.

He is survived by his son, Howard (Kathy). He is further survived by his grandchildren of whom he was very proud: Samuel (Stacy) Countryman, Neillsville, Elizabeth (fiancé Mike), Davenport, Iowa, and Benjamin (special friend Amy), Avon, Colo. He is also survived by his precious great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Gabriel and Abigail who gave him joy.

He was predeceased by his wife Anita; parents, Howard and Maude Mathis; a brother, Robert; and his daughter, Sylvia.

We have lost a generous, caring, and dedicated public servant and patriarch of this family. He will now happily spend his 71st wedding anniversary with the love of his life.