Bobbie Joe Mattox

Bobbie Joe Mattox, 79, of rural Mound Valley, died at 10:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011 at his home. He had been in failing health. He was born Sept. 29, 1932, at St. Paul, Kan. to George E. and Bertha L. (Fickess) Mattox. He grew up and attended schools in Erie. Mr. Mattox began driving a truck at the age of 14 and continued as a self-employed truck driver until ill health forced him to retire in 2008. For a short time, Bob was the terminal manager for Ruan Transport, then he returned to driving for himself. He and Barbara Ann Hayden were married on March 7, 1961 in Miami, Okla. They made their home in rural Mound Valley in 1965. She survives of the home. Bob enjoyed his horses and had several horse-drawn wagons. For several years, he and his wife drove their horses on covered wagon drives in Missouri. In 2006, He and Barb drove their team of horses and covered wagon over 400 miles to visit friends in northern Missouri. Bob attended the First Baptist Church in Mound Valley. Survivors: wife, Barbara Ann Mattox of the home; four sons, Stan, Fayetteville, Ark.; Chris, Mound Valley, Kan.; Cory, Mound Valley, Kan.; Craig, Lafayette, La.; four daughters, Mary Jo, Owasso, Okla.; Elizabeth, Odem, Texas; Connie, Mansfield, La.; Carla, Emporia, Kan.; 23 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Carl Mattox, Cutler Bay, Fla.; George Mattox, Parsons, Kan.; Don Mattox, Savonburg, Kan.; two sisters, Lela Hutchinson, Wichita, Kan.; Wilma Wintjen, Erie, Kan. He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Mound Valley. Burial will be in the Mound Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the church. It is Bob's request that his friends and family attending his funeral should wear blue jeans or casual attire. Memorial donations are suggested to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, Kan. 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.