Walter Merrill Mattox

Walter Merrill Mattox, 84, passed away peacefully Thursday April 27, 2017 at St. Francis Hospital in Greenwood with family at his side. Born January 24, 1933 in Sullivan County, Indiana, Walt was the only son of Clarence and Muriel Mattox. Walter grew up on the family farm and attended Dugger schools where he enjoyed playing trumpet in the band. Walter attended Indiana State Teachers’ College/ I.S.U. In Terre Haute and served stateside in the United States Army in personnel. He received his advanced degree work at Indiana University. Walt had a lifelong, keen interest in area youth, by educating, counseling and assisting students in our community. He became an energetic chemistry, science, math, history, driver’s education teacher, senior class sponsor, guidance counselor, sometimes substitute bus driver, assistant principal and high school principal at Bloomfield High School and was employed there from 1956-1997. Walt was instrumental in keeping kids in school, promoting FFA agricultural education, maintaining high graduation rates, implementing computer technology in the district, and starting the National Honor Society to recognize students’ academic merit, both the U.S. Navy NJROTC program and dual-credit course offerings for students with Vincennes University. Walt extended his respect for education to his family and always led them by example of its importance. Walt was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Bloomfield and taught Sunday School classes early in his career. He was a member of Bloomfield Masonic Lodge #84. Following his school retirement, Walt got immediately busy in other capacities. Always handy in carpentry skills, he continued to work in Construction Sales at Lowe’s Hardware in Bloomington, became a U.S. Census worker, read meters for R.E.M.C. and grew a beard to be Santa greeting thousands of children and families at College Mall in Bloomington for multiple Christmas seasons. Other events and involvements he enjoyed included family gatherings, attending Bloomfield Cardinals’ and grandchildren’s school athletic events, dramas, musicals, proms, band concerts, commencements, and dance recitals. Walt enjoyed tinkering with his beloved International Harvester antique tractors and trucks, and his 1955 Chevrolet, attending various car shows, tractor shows and parades. He was a Board Director of the White River Valley Antique Association and regularly engaged in repairing grounds and facilities for the yearly show where he enjoyed visitors and friends at his tractor display. Walt was also a member of the Classic Cruisers Car Club and South Central Indiana Antique Truck Club. Walt was proud to meet with fellow Greene County Veterans for events and enjoyed fellowship at ceremonies and weekly breakfasts. Also, Walt associated in regular morning gatherings and friendly conversations at Holtsclaw’s Standard in Bloomfield. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Patty Lou (Barnett) Mattox. Surviving relatives include his wife Linda Mattox, step- daughters Terri McGaffney of Bargersville, IN and Jennifer Stark, son-in-law Joe Stark and granddaughter Amelia Stark of Franklin, IN, only son Chris Mattox, daughter-in-law Michelle, and granddaughters Blaise and Ava Mattox of Bloomfield. Friends may call from 3:30 to 7:30 P.M. on Friday May 5, 2017 at the Bloomfield First Baptist Church in Bloomfield and 9 A.M. on Saturday until the hour of service at the Church. Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday May 6, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Bloomfield with Rev. Arlen Pope, Rev. Nathan Brooks and Rev. Jack Tolbert officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery in Bloomfield with Masonic service and Military Honors. The family wishes any donations be made to the Walter & Linda Mattox Principal Scholarship Fund in care of Jenkins Funeral Home. Online condolences to the family can be made at www.jenkinsfuneralhomes.com.

Walter Merrill Mattox

January 24, 1933 - April 27, 2017