Msgt. Clyde J. Mathe, Sr., Usaf (Ret.)

Clyde Mathe, Sr., 91, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 26, 2016.

Clyde was born on August 5, 1925, in Hammond, Indiana, to the late Pearl Rosamond Highland and John Montford Mathe. At 19 years old, he enlisted in in the United States Army Air Forces. While with the 8th Air Force, he flew an incredible 34 missions in his B-17, the Flying Fish, participating in the heavy bombing formations over occupied Europe, destroying German aircraft plants, factories, and supplies. Clyde was a proud member of the Sea Squatters Club, having survived a ditching of his plane in the Atlantic, without even getting wet. His years in the Service included stations across the United States as well as in Guam, Japan, and England. He flew in the B-17, KB-29, KB-50, KB-50J, WB-50, and C-141 and maintained the P-51 and C-124. Clyde served in three conflicts: World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His final station was at Robins Air Force Base, with the C-141 nuclear mission. He retired after over 28 years of Service. Clyde worked for and retired from Pabst Blue Ribbon as a brewery mechanic. Later, he worked five years civil service in supply at Robins Air Force Base.

In his spare time, Clyde was a member of the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), the Gnat Slappers Camping Club, and Happy Campers. He also enjoyed Amateur Radio. However, his greatest joy was found in family and most particularly in being an adoring "grandpa" to his 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Clyde was a member of Central Baptist Church.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his late wife, Elizabeth Mathe, and daughter, Laura Allyn Main.

His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife, Nettie Shearer; children, Pearl Marie Smith (Wayne); Clyde James Mathe, Jr. (Marlene); Gary Wayne Mathe (Connie); Westley Warren Mathe (Melinda); grandchildren, James Smith (Valerie); DeWayne Smith; Kevin Mathe (Shanna); Jennifer Webb (Tim); Deena Boothe (Kelly); Westley Mathe, Jr. (Amber); Teena Swaffar; Daren Mathe (Kaity); Joseph Mathe (Nikki); Geri Romain (Stephen); Zanna McNeil; Tron Mathe; and great-grandchildren, Jade Smith; Tripp Spano; Sophie Spano; Scarlett Spano; Celeste Webb; Chelsea Webb; Dorian Rozier; Leena Rozier; Destiny Boothe; Kelly Boothe; Autumn Mathe; Austen Mathe; Chaslyn Swaffar; Warren Swaffar; Amelia Mathe; Everett Mathe; Layden Mathe; Kalyn Mathe; and Minden Mathe.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2016 in the Chapel of McCullough, Pastor Bob Dilks will officiate. Following the service, Clyde will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Clyde J. Mathe, Sr. to the Alzheimer's Association, 886 Mulberry Street, Macon, GA 31201.


Funeral Home:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088