Herbert R. Mathers

Herbert R. Mathers - ISLAND FALLS, 86, died Jan. 5th, 2011 in Houlton. He was born November 1, 1924, the son of Herbert P. and Sara Alice (Murchie) Mathers of Island Falls. He was raised by faithful and committed parents and in turn, no son could be more loving and devoted.

He was a graduate of Island Falls High School and a veteran of WWII. He served much of his time in Korea on an advance survey team. He was member of the Masonic Lodge, VFW, and the Island Falls Baptist Church. He served on the County Committee for the Farmers Home Administration and was a supporter of the May Mountain Ski area. After returning home from the war, he married his wife, Joyce Lilley, and together they began to establish a dairy farm operation at the foot of Barker Ridge. From humble beginnings, the Dairy operation started as a door to door Milk Delivery business with bottle caps that read Mathers Milk. All of his family played a role. As time went on and bulk tanks became the standard, he shipped milk to H.P. Hoods, Grants, MPG and last to Houlton Farms Dairy. He was honored with Outstanding Conservation farmer and took great pride in growing superior corn and grain crops. He was very fortunate to farm most of his life, as tilling the soil and building a dairy herd was his true passion. Farming was not what he did; rather, it was who he was. Everybody he came in contact with, sooner or later would be drawn into a farm conversation. He was a dairyman for over forty five years and together with his son, Bill, milked over ninety cows. Herbert’s wife, Joyce, was his rock; she shared in all the work and success of the farm. Joyce was a loyal and resolute partner who never wavered in her support of his love to farm. They were married sixty one years. Together, they raised three children and always made every effort to put their children’s needs first, offer guidance, and gave unconditional love.

Herbert is survived by his wife, Joyce of Island Falls: children, William and his wife, Betty of Island Falls, Michael and his wife, Jolayne of Presque Isle, a devoted daughter, Cathy Bates and her husband, Scott of Sherman; grandchildren, Billy and his wife, Shannon, Jill and her fiancé Brandon, Kevin and his wife, Natashia, Sam, Lucas, Caleb and step granddaughter Samantha; great grandchildren, Jackson, Kassidy, Suzy and Barrett, step great grandchild Alex, niece Ruth’s daughter, Laurena Thompson; several other nieces and nephews on the Lilley side. He was predeceased by his parents, and a sister, Ruth M.Thompson.

Friends may call 9-11 a.m. on Saturday at Bowers Funeral Home, Sherman Street, Island Falls where funeral services will be held 11 am with the Rev. Ben Greene officiating. Spring Interment will be in the Island Falls Cemetery. Cards may be sent to Joyce Mathers, 364 Sherman St, Island Falls, ME 04747. In lieu of flowers those who wish may donate to the Island Falls United Baptist Church, PO Box 6, Island Falls, Maine 04747.