Wayne Mathis

Wayne Mathis, age 84 of Demotte, formerly of Merrillville, passed away August 9, 2023. He was a 1958 graduate of Horace Mann High School in Gary, IN. Wayne was captain and star pitcher of the baseball team. He loved baseball and as a young boy would play it from dawn to dusk with his neighborhood pals. A lifelong Cubs fan that finally got to see his favorite team win the World Series in 2016. Go Cubbies. Wayne also loved watching Notre Dame football on Saturdays. These were usually loud afternoons. Wake up the echoes indeed! He had retired from Youngstown Steel where he had a long, decorated career. Wayne was a quiet, shy, man who always had a kind word for everyone. For a reserved guy he sure had a wicked sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. He had an incredible work ethic and always provided for his family. Wayne worked tirelessly in his yard and I’m pretty sure I never saw a weed as his yard was the nicest in town. Oh, and the cars. Always hand washed and pristine. He made the absolute best fudge and popcorn in a pan on the stove. His favorite meal was perch and he loved golf. Wayne would drive his family every summer up to beautiful Land O’ Lakes in the north woods of WI to spend a week at his in-law’s lake cottage. Always with his shades on, windows down, and his arm resting on the open window. 8 hours and 3 kids in the backseat. He wasn’t much for fishing but would show us how to feed oatmeal to the bluegills. Always doing chores and fixing whatever needed fixing. I think he was allergic to sitting still in the daytime. He could always cut loose in the evening with a rousing game of Tripoley or relaxing on the screened in porch overlooking the lake with a cocktail listening to the record player. He was a proud, humble man and I’m pretty sure they don’t make them like that anymore. His family was his most cherished and prized possession. Family meant everything to Wayne, and he loved them dearly. He was preceded by his parents- Garland (Helen) Mathis; wife- Kathleen Flynn Mathis; son- Tim Mathis; brother- Tom Mathis; sister-Joann Harrington; 2nd wife- Lois Mathis. Wayne is survived by his loving daughters- Karen (Brad Suther) Mathis, Maryann (John) Kwiatkoski; daughter-in-law- Karen Mathis; step-daughter- Debbie (Martinus) Joseph; grandchildren—Ryan (Amy) Edwards, Sean (Karaline) Edwards, Meghan (Kevin) Ayala, Allyson (Scott) Morris, Liam Mathis; great grandchildren- Ashton, Liam, Savannah, Maggie, Emmett, Noah, Ayden; brother- Danny Mathis and sister- Dolores Dzuko,; many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 1 p.m. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. www.burnsfuneral.com

Wayne Mathis

June 27, 1939 - August 9, 2023