Elvin Earl Mathis

 Elvin Earl (Mel) Mathis was born on July 4, 1929, in Garber, Oklahoma to Narvel Mathis and Lily Turner, just minutes after his twin brother Alvin.

 He graduated from Garber High School in 1947 and eventually moved to California where he entertained with his beautiful voice and his guitar. Even playing on the Lawrence Welk Show! Around 1962 he found his way to Indiana for work, taking a job at OEM Fasteners for Bert Fazli, while still playing at some local bars in the evening. One night a pretty young woman walked in the bar, and Mel tapped his buddy and said, “I’m going to marry that girl!” That girl turned out to be Carol Lawyer, whom he did marry and shared just over 50 years with.

Together they raised 2 daughters, Rori and Melissa, who will continue to cherish their parents they loved so much. Raising them in Fishers Indiana, Mel and family saw a lot of change and growth, such things as I-465 and Castleton Square Mall. It was a simple life, filled with music and friends, and many happy times.

 In 1978 he began a carpet cleaning business called Smith-Mathis, with his friend and partner Farrell “Buddy” Smith. It was a successful venture, and it not only provided for their families, but the friendship grew to be one Mel loved very much. They enjoyed playing guitars and singing together to the delight of all who heard them play. Mel retired from Smith-Mathis in 1999, but the friendship with Buddy and others from there lived on.

Mel was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the early 1960’s and was a member of several congregations, including North Unit, College Park, Fishers, and Spring Mill, where he served as an elder up until his death. He enjoyed many privileges throughout the years, including regular pioneering for a year in 2001 and attending pioneer school in 2002. He enjoyed helping at many District and local assemblies, most times behind the scenes, wherever he was needed. He will be remembered by the friends for his warm smile, insightful comments, and good example that he set for all. He also loved giving hugs and became everyone’s “Dad”. He had a reputation for his good advice, his generosity, and his love for Jehovah and the ministry.

 Mel also enjoyed playing golf and had many brothers he played with throughout the years. He could hit that ball “a country mile”! He also enjoyed fishing with his longtime friend Jack Holt, taking many trips to Canada together.

You can’t talk about Mel without talking about his brother and the bond they shared. As twins it was one few understand, but a strong one it was. They could be “double-trouble” when they wanted to be, fooling ones because they looked so much alike as young boys, to climbing water towers, or driving the family truck before they could see over the top! Throughout their lives, they stayed close, playing music, golfing, fishing, just hanging out together so they could debate the color of the sky! Mel frequently asked about his brother and mother, even after his Alzheimer’s had taken away most other memories, always wanting to make sure they were ok. He will have quite a reunion with them in the very near future.

 Mel leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Rori, (John) Benjamin, Melissa (Jeff) Coleman, his grandchildren Ashli (Ryan) Pettibone, John (Shelley) Benjamin Jr., Brandon (Ashley) Coleman, and Hallie Benjamin. He also leaves behind 9 great-grandchildren, his niece Linda Mathis, and nephews Keith (Nancy) Mathis, and Kevin (Brenda) Mathis and their families. He also leaves many good friends that he made, so many becoming like family to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Narvel and Lilly, his wife Carol, his nephew Kurt, and his brother Al.