Roll Call Tribute

Robert Neil Mathis 

July 9, 1941 - November 13, 2023 

Dr. Robert Neil Mathis of Nacogdoches was born in College Station on July 9, 1941, and died in Tyler, Texas on November 13, 2023. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Elizabeth Ann Crozier Mathis, his parents Floyd T Mathis and Florence L Mathis, and brother James L Mathis. He is survived by his son David N Mathis of Nacogdoches, sister-in-law (Olivia) Gail Bennett of Houston, and niece Carol L Bennett of Houston.

Robert successfully pursued his career in academia by completing his undergrad at Texas A&M University, and later obtaining his Doctorate in History from University of Georgia. His interests were varied and many, but his passion was focused on the Civil War Era in America. He returned home to Texas in the late 1960’s where he joined Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) as a History Professor. He achieved tenure and held several leadership positions including Faculty Senator (elected in 1978, officer in 1979 and then Chairman 1981-82), as well as the History Department Chairman for many years until stepping down in 2000. He partially retired in 2005, and in 2008 the University designated him as Professor Emeritus.

Robert had many friends and colleagues who were treated to his agile, dry wit. He was keenly interested in the world around him and always a voracious reader of all things political or historical, or generally any kind of interesting non-fiction. He avidly collected campaign buttons from across the country, and kept his mind sharp by working through challenging levels of Sudoku puzzles. But he was also thoroughly relatable in his love of college football (especially when the Aggies played) and professional baseball (his favorites being the Dodgers and the Astros). His interests even extended to college basketball as he kept up with the Women’s UConn Huskies team. While he attended games in person when time permitted, on the weekends at home you could often find him eating his favorite peanuts and watching the afternoon games.

Robert also met his wife Ann at SFASU and they married in 1972 after she graduated with her first degree. They remained in Nacogdoches working for the University and built a life together based on strong foundations of mutual love, caring and respect. They welcomed their son David in 1985 whom they cherished and loved very much, and continued to augment their family with a variety of cats (plus a few dogs). In later years they made time to travel as well as enjoy live entertainment such as concerts and musicals.