Paul Mattis of Neosho, Missouri departed this life on Wednesday morning, June 20, 2007, at the National Health Care Center, in Joplin, MO, at the age of 77 years.

Paul entered this life on April 8, 1930, in Wilton, ND, the son of the late Wesyl and Pearl (Polensky) Mattis. He was raised in North Dakota and in the late 1950's moved with his wife to California. He served his country faithfully in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. On September 25, 1954, he was united in marriage to Irene Reiger and to this union two daughters were born. In 1968 the family moved to Anderson, MO where they owned and operated a cattle and poultry farm for over thirty-five years. He loved the great outdoors, where his favorite activities were hunting and fishing. He was a professional fiddle player, an avid reader, and enjoyed visiting with his family and friends. Paul will be greatly missed by all his family and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of forty-eight years, Irene Mattis on June 5, 2003, and four sisters: Martha Brezden, Eva Mattis, Mary Mattis, and Ann Mattis.

Paul is survived by two daughters: Paula Mattis, Concord, New Hampshire, Melanie Harrington, Springdale, Arkansas; granddaughter: Nicole Irene Charron, Concord, New Hampshire; sister: Ann Shearer, Washburn, ND; niece: Rene (Roger) Coleman, Minot; and several other nieces and nephews; sister-in-law: Agnes Breckner, Las Vegas, Nevada; as well as a host of other family and friends.

There will be a private graveside service held.