Graveside services for Mr. John Leland Mathewes, age 89 of Ruston will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rev. John Martin officiating. Services will be under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston.

John Leland was born September 11, 1930 in Ruston to John Luther and Martile Mathewes. He served in the United State Air Force from August, 1950 until June 1951. John was dedicated to his career as fire fighter where he retired after thirty-two years from the Ruston Fire Department as an Assistant Fire Chief. During this time, he and his wife built a very successful lawn mower repair business. He loved and enjoyed spending time with his wife and family camping, water skiing, fishing and duck hunting. John was also a model train hobbyist. After retirement John Leland and Shirley joined the Gold Wing Club and traveled to many parts of the United States.

Papaw was stubborn. Anyone who knew him would agree. If he set his mind to it, he would do it, no matter what. Years and years ago, he decided to quit smoking, and he did it cold turkey without saying a word to anyone. He just did it. When Mammaw needed more care, we saw him step into the role of caregiver with quiet determination to help her as best he could. After his stroke he fought hard, and pushed through therapy, to gain his independence back, and he did.

That stubbornness also showed in his love for his family. He loved his wife, his boys, all his grand kids, and great grand kids fiercely. He was protective, supportive, and generous. In looking through pictures last night and this morning, the joy when he was with family was clear by the huge smile on his face. I am so proud to be his granddaughter. I hope if anyone ever calls me stubborn, it is in the stubborn determination with which I fight for my relationships and my family. That it would be a stubbornness that propels me forward, rather than hold me back. That type of determination is hard to stop.

Papaw we weren't ready. You are already missed so much. But I am glad you're not in pain anymore. That you don't have to struggle. I am thankful for the amazing legacy you leave behind. A legacy of hard work, determination, and love for family. We will carry on in a manner that makes you proud. Love you always, your chatterbox. P.S. Have a peach milkshake with LA Tech Ice cream and Mitcham Farm peaches with Mammaw for me.

Mr. Mathewes is survived by his sons: Leland Wayne Mathewes of Shreveport, LA, Luther Lane Mathewes of Ruston, Charles William Mathewes and wife Betty of Houston, TX, John Thomas Mathewes and wife Darlyne of Augusta, GA; grandchildren: Sarah Mathewes of Houston, TX, Emily and husband Billy Warner of Ruston, LA, Carrie and husband Jonathan Davis of Augusta, GA, Susan and husband Branum Vardell of Augusta, GA, Dana and husband Scott Stewart of Gonzales, LA, Michaela and husband Joshua Manuel of Augusta, GA; step-grandsons: Chris Hayden and wife  Erica of Haughton, LA, Jeremy Upton and wife Candy of Ruston, LA; great-grandchildren: Carmynn, Juliet, Spencer and Ethan Stewart, Bobby Warner, Isabella, Charleigh and Wrenleigh Vardell, Alexis Kindred, Chloe Dettrey and Olivia Hayden; sisters: Elouise Shaw of Baton Rouge, LA and Glenda and husband Don Lee of Grandbury, TX and a host of other relatives and friends.

John is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Shirley Anderson Mathewes, his parents; grandsons: William Shane, John Charles, John Kenneth, Samuel, Delmer, Boaz and Daniel; brother Charles Roland Mathewes and brother-in-law Drew Shaw.

The Ruston Fire Department Honor Guard will be serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:45 P.M., Saturday, July 25, 2020 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston.