Lawrence A. Mathes

Lawrence A. Mathes, better known as Larry, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2026, at his home in Wewahitchka, Florida, at the age of 88. He was born on August 17, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He grew up in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and graduated from St. Stanislaus Catholic High School. He continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi and later earned his Masters in Administration from the University of West Florida. Those years of learning helped shape a life of steady service, leadership, and commitment to others.

Larry devoted more than thirty-five years to Wewahitchka High School as a teacher, coach, and principal. Through that long career, he gave his time and energy to students and the school community, leaving a lasting mark through his work in education and athletics.

Outside of his professional life, Larry enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball, golfing with his friends, and attending his grandkids games. Music and faith were also important parts of his life. He served as Choir Director at the First United Methodist Church in Wewahitchka, and he also sang at weddings and funerals for friends and family.

Above all, Larry will be remembered as a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Verna Duggar Mathes of Wewahitchka, Florida; children, Mark Mathes (Stacey) of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Greg Mathes (Sydna) of Tallahassee, Florida, Laurie Hoerner (Jeff) of Navarre, Florida, Kim Whitfield (Jeff) of Clayton, Alabama, Patti Elsbernd (David) of Tallahassee, Florida, Jennifer Totman (Danny McDermott) of Arizona, Kristin Wooten (Brooke) of Wewahitchka, Florida, and Cameron Totman of Wewahitchka, Florida. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ambrose Armand (Pat) Mathes; his mother, Mavis Alford Mathes; his first wife, Sue Anne Haddon Mathes; his granddaughter, Kara Michelle Hoerner; and his brother, Donald Armand Mathes.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Central Time at First United Methodist Church of Wewahitchka. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Buckhorn Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Wewahitchka, PO Box 265, Wewahitchka, Fl 32465