ISLAND FALLS – Herbert R. Mathers, 86, died Jan. 5, 2011, in Houlton. He was born Nov. 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 World War II. He served much of his time in Korea on an advance survey team. He was a member of Island Falls Masonic Lodge No. 206, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Island Falls Baptist Church. He served on the County Committee for Farmers Home Administration, and was a supporter of 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 more than 45 years, and together with his son, Bill, milked more than 90 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 61 years. Together, they raised three children and always made every effort to put their children’s needs first, offer guidance and give 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, and a devoted daughter, Cathy Bates and her husband, Scott, of Sherman; grandchildren, Billy and his wife, Shannon, Jill and her fiance, Brandon, Kevin and his wife, Natashia, Sam, Lucas and Caleb; stepgranddaughter, Samantha; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Kassidy, Suzy and Barrett; a great-stepgrandchild, Alex; a 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. Saturday at Bowers Funeral Home, Sherman Street, Island Falls, where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. with the Rev. Ben Greene officiating. Spring interment will be at 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 Island Falls United Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6, Island Falls, ME 04747. For online memory book and to leave condolences, please visit www.bowersfuneral.com.
HERBERT R. MATHERS
