Donald E. Mathis

Osceola – Donald E. Mathis, 75, passed away in the comfort of his home on Friday, July 17, 2026, while under the loving care of his family and Lewis County Hospice.

Donald was born on April 4, 1951, in Rome, NY, a son of Donald O. and Lois VanWagenen Mathis. He grew up in West Leyden, where he received his education, graduating from West Leyden High School with the Class of 1969. He was married to Donna Philbrick and together the couple raised their four children. Later the marriage ended in divorce. For several years he was a member of the West Leyden Volunteer Fire Dept., and the Lee Legion Post #1794 Sons of the American Legion.

Following his education, Don began his extensive career in truck driving. He drove his first load of logs for Still Saw Mill in Ava at the age of 15. For 20 years he was a school bus driver for Adirondack Central School, where he enjoyed for many years taking the 5th graders on their field trip to Canada. In later years he drove freight for Rite-Aid Distribution Center in Rome, and Roadway, and log trucks for Bailey Lumber Co., Boonville, Bruce Turck, and H.R. Babcock.

An outdoorsman at heart, he spent countless hours in the woods. He enjoyed time spent at Upper Beaver Meadow Brook Club, a hunting camp built by his grandfather Otto. He was also member of the Roaring Brook Club and Salmon River Club. He also enjoyed driving the snowmobile groomer for Southern Tug Hill SnoRiders, and raced modified snowmobiles earning several trophies, including Eagle River in the early 1970’s.

He is survived by his son Dion (Heather) Mathis, Osceola, son Corey (Mandy) Mathis, Ava, daughter Jill (Rodney) Lee, Boonville, and son Andrew (Megan) Mathis, Ava, grandchildren: Levi Mathis, Emilee Backer, Brooke Redmond, Kaidance Maine, Tucker, Owen and Jett Lee, Kaitlyn, Kaylee, Kiersten and Aiden Mathis and great-grandchildren: Emmett, Madelyn, Declan, and Nevaeh. He is also survived by his brother David Mathis, West Leyden, Dale (Healon) Mathis, West Leyden, Kenny (Donna) Mathis, Bloomfield, NY, Kevin Mathis, West Leyden, and sister Janet Farmer, Rome, several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his longtime companion Doreen Zalepski Snyder.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 7, at 7:00 pm at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, with Rev. Paul Mathis officiating. Calling hours will precede the service beginning at 3:00 pm. Memorial Contributions may be made to Friends of Lewis County Hospice P.O. Box #266, Lowville, NY 13367.