C.C. "Chet" Mathis, 92, a longtime resident of Parsons, died at 3:10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Etta and Dwain Watson, in Parsons, where he had lived for the past four years. He had been in failing health.

He was born Aug. 2, 1916, on the family farm near DeLeon, Texas, a son of William Walker Mathis and Clara (McKemie) Mathis. He grew up and attended rural DeLeon schools, graduating from Comyn High School in 1936.

He married Wynell Salter on Sept. 11, 1937, in Eastland, Texas. Following their marriage, he worked on the family farm until 1941, when he was employed with the Katy Railroad in DeLeon, Texas. In January 1942, he was transferred with the railroad to Parsons, where he and his wife made their home. For 35 years, he worked as a brakeman for the railroad, retiring on Oct. 5, 1976. His wife preceded him in death Dec. 31, 1985.

He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, the Elk's Lodge No. 527, Brown-Bishop Post No. 704, Veterans of Foreign Wars, of Parsons, the United Transportation Union and the National Association of Retired Veteran Railway Employees. He was also a 62-year member of the Parsons Lodge No. 117, A.F. & A.M.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening and working in his yard. He also enjoyed watching sports on television and had played basketball and football in high school. In earlier years, he liked to bowl and had belonged to several local bowling leagues. His hobbies were playing cards, bingo and dominoes.

Survivors include a daughter, Mary Etta Watson and her husband, Dwain, of Parsons; a grandson, Gregory B. Neal and his wife, Robin, of Tampa, Fla.; two great-grandchildren, Bryan and Taylor Neal of Tampa, Fla.; two stepgrandsons, Donald Watson of Parsons and Douglas Watson and his wife, Cynthia, of Wichita; two stepgreat-grandchildren, David and Rachel Watson of Wichita; three sisters-in-law, Olene Mathis of Dublin, Texas, Ruby Mathis of DeLeon, Texas, and Mary Stroud of Jefferson City, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was also survived by his faithful little dog, Maggie.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by an infant son, William Chester Mathis; two sisters; and four brothers.

The service will be at 11 a.m. today at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience.

Memorials are suggested to either the Wesley United Methodist Church or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left at or sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Gerald E. Fouts

MOUND VALLEY -- Gerald E. Fouts, 85, of Mound Valley died at 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at Elmhaven East in Parsons. He had been in failing health the past five years. He is survived by his wife, Lola Fouts, of the home.

The service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont. Burial will be in Mound Valley Cemetery. Friends may call at their convenience after 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Oswego Presbyterian Church or the American Heart Association. These may be left at or sent to the funeral home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, 67330.

Complete obituary details will be announced.

Joaquin Ramirez Sr.

Joaquin Ramirez Sr., 80, of Parsons died at 8:32 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at Labette Health. He had been in failing health. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ramirez, of the home.

The Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the rosary.

Complete obituary details will be announced.