Cletis “Clete” Mathis
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Cletis “Clete” Mathis, who passed away on August 15, 2024 at the age of 52. Clete is survived by his beloved wife Colleen Mathis. Clete’s untimely departure is a significant loss to the community and all who knew him.
Clete had a lifetime career as a K-9 Police Officer and was a respected figure in law enforcement. He was known for his unwavering commitment and his deep bond with his K-9 partners who he loved passionately. Stories of Bathon, Ringo and Lalka, just a few of his canine partners over his career, still abound. Clete was always willing to help others with whatever they needed; no ask was too big. Those that knew him in the communities he served saw his humanity and compassion, even when life had shown him how inhumane society can be.
Clete was surrounded by his wife Colleen and the Barnes 56 ICU team and two doctors who he trusted implicitly upon his passing. Their compassion and attention to do all things possible for Clete was evident throughout. Colleen will forever be grateful for the care provided in his final days. Clete left a legacy and was an inspiration with his strong will to overcome and push forward. His memory will forever be cherished, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
To honor Clete’s wishes, in lieu of flowers or a service, donations can be made to the Justin Delivers Hopes who supports K-9 Police Officers/Funding in local communities.
He is also survived by his loving nephew Nick.
Love you, Uncle Clete!
And his sister in law Shannon.
Rest easy Bro-in-law. Until we meet again. Love you💙💙
Shannon
Clete was also survived by his sister Jane, her husband Byron and niece Shelby and Logan. His brother Rich “Zig”, nephew Joe , his wife Logan, Brother Jim, wife Shannon, nephews Ben, Nick and Ian, Brother Cary, “Brother” Ken, wife Catie, “niece” Mary Kate and “nephew” Mark. He was welcomed into Heaven by his nephew Michael, his Dad Stan and his grandparents Nina and Grandpa who loved him dearly. All of his family loved him dearly and wanted nothing more than to be there for him. Rest in Peace little brother. I love you and miss you !
Clete, it saddens me that you are gone and we will truly miss you. I wish we could have been there for you! Until we meet again, my brother!
Clete, a brother in blue, I will always remember your crazy stories. I wish we were able to chat again, didn’t know our last would be it. Your dedication to the job will never be forgotten, Until we meet again bro.
Clete brought so many memories and laughter to me and my family. My boys could spend hours listening to Clete’s stories about his dogs and duties as a police officer. He is a very cherished friend and I enjoyed our time, usually over a beer, discussing life and his love for his wife Colleen. When Ringo was sick and needed stitches, Clete would assist me in treating Ringo. His love of the dogs who served with him was admirable. In life, God only gives you a few true friends and Clete was one of mine. I know where Clete is and I look forward too listening to his stories for eternity. Thank you God for bringing Clete into my life and the blessings he gave me and my family.
The Falls Family
Scott, Sharon, Brandon, Nathan, and Bryan
I’m so sorry for the pain of not getting to say goodbye. The absence of closure is difficult, but I pray that you will be flooded with many happy memories and that you find peace in knowing your hearts were with him even though you weren’t physically allowed to be present. You are the most amazing folks and I’m honored to know you all.
Rest easy Clete. I know you know how much your family loved you and wished they could have been there with you. They were so proud of all of your accomplishments and are finding much comfort from the outpouring of stories about you and how you made a difference in the lives of so many people. Give Nina a hug for me.
It was my honor to serve with Clete for many years. He was an outstanding Police Officer and friend and he will be deeply missed. I was glad I got to know him and work together. The Police community lost a good one.
Rest easy Clete. I was fortunate to know you and your family. So many communities are better off having dedicated Officers/Dispatchers like yourself, brothers, and sisters. It was an honor to know you and hopefully we will meet again so I can laugh historically with you and your stories.
Rest easy Clete. We had some great times in the fun days and I lost count of how many times Ringo would scare me to death when I’d walk past your car!
Clete – rest in peace! ❤️🙏🏻
Fly high cousin Clete…so sadly taken away from us far too soon. My heart breaks for all Clete’s brothers and sister who couldn’t say goodbye to him. However your memories will live on through them, not a day will go by that we won’t all miss YOU.
Jeanette
Clete, Your suffering is over now. Rest in peace. 🙏
Hey brother rest easy. You will be truly missed my friend.
Clete was a giant of a man, full of life, and with an even bigger sense of humor and heart! He was one of my best friends and my mentor from when I was a new cop trying to figure out my way to having the privilege of calling myself a seasoned Officer and K9 handler following what he taught me. Like so many others he touched my life and showed me the right way to do the job and Ill be forever grateful. He was always there if you needed anything and was always ready to go into harms way. Each of us can remember him and memorialize him in our own way. Just like the stories, smiles, and experiences we all shared with him. Several stories of Clete while both hilarious and treasured are not all for public consumption. He was a friend to all and loved by everyone, right up to the end. He fought just how he lived, relentless, fearless, and dedicated. Clete adored his loving wife, those closest to him, and his K9 partners! Clete was one of the best of us and God doesn’t make them like him anymore. This page is to honor his life and his memory. To Clete, thank you for everything, we love you, Godspeed my friend. Until we meet again. We will take it from here
Clete you are missed and loved, I will never forget when you called me several weeks ago from the hospital saying when you get out we was gonna get together for dinner and talk. You will alway be in my heart, you will always be my nephew, you are now standing next to god in heaven pain free being reunited with all you have loved that has passed over to heaven.
I will never forget the amazing EMS memories, the perfect and imperfect barrage of animals and most of all the beautiful family and friends that welcomed me with open arms and who are now and will ALWAYS be a part of my heart. Thank you, Mathis.
We are all sorry to here wha thas happed.You can count on us For anything you need help with!
Clete, great memories with you man. My left ear has never recovered from ringo barking in my ear during the year plus of ride alongs before I was hired. You taught me so much, and I have so many great stories working with you. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace brother.
I was shocked to see in St Matthew’s email that Clete had passed. We were neighbors to Stan & Kathy Mathis as the boys grew up in Villa Hills in Belleville, Illinois. We bought a car from their family to be our daughter Amy’s first car. Not surprised about all the wonderful comments. Also not surprised that Clete was a police officer. We had met his Uncle Steve Mathis who was also a police officer. So sorry to hear Clete passed so young. Will be praying for everyone, especially his wife. I remember when Clete & Cary attended St Matthew’s.
Miss you brother!