Chadrad.com

Gealy Mathis passed away on Monday, August 31, 2009 in Chadron.

Gealy was born on December 5, 1919 at the family farm in Clinton, Nebraska. He was the youngest of five children born to William and Florence Mathis. Gealy grew up in Clinton on the family farm and graduated from Clinton High School.

On May 8, 1942, Gealy married his wife of 67 years, Sidone Jean Sloyer. To this union came five children, Jerry, Richard, Sandra, Randy, and Gae.

Gealy and Sidone lived on the Mathis family farm south of Clinton until 1945 when Gealy went into the Navy. Upon his discharge, the family moved to Chadron where he called home the remainder of his days.

Upon his arrival in Chadron he worked at the Chadron Milling Company as manager until 1962 when the mill burned to the ground. He then took over the Texaco Service Station and bulk plant and operated that for some time. After that he moved on to manager of the Ideal Supermarket. From there he became service manager at the Chevy garage and then the parts manager at the Ford garage.

In 1974, he ran successful campaign for Dawes County Clerk where he served until his retirement in 1986.

At the age of 35, he joined the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department and was a member for 40 years. He was president of the Nebraska State Volunteer Fireman’s Association from 1960-1962. He served as Secretary-Treasurer and President of the CVFD and was fire chief for over 20 years.

Gealy was also a past member of the Chadron Jaycees, Elks Club, American Legion, and the United Methodist Church and President of the Chadron Lion's Club.

He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, fishing, and flying his radio controlled airplanes.