Bernard James Mathias

A visitation will be held for Bernard James Mathias, 79, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 1815 Marshall St., Shreveport, Louisiana. A Celebration of Life will follow from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at The Elks Lodge #122, 310 Preston Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana.

Bernard was born on August 23, 1945 in Toledo, Ohio to Richard and Joan Mathias and passed away Sunday, November 17, 2024 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

After attending some college, he enlisted into the United States Army, eventually earning the rank of Sergeant. He received a Bronze Star for meritorious service while serving in Vietnam April 2, 1969 to March 20, 1970.  Bernie retired as Owner and Operator of Custom Heat Treating in Bossier City in 2015 and spent his time there for over 35 years. He was a lifetime member of The Elks Lodge #122 and served as Exalted Ruler, Past Exalted Ruler, District Deputy and State President of the Louisiana Elks Association. He was bigger than life and always the life of the party. He was truly one of a kind… and then some.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Maria Mathias; parents, Richard and Joan Mathias; brother, Mike Mathias; sister, Jane Pizzigno and nephew, Jim Johnson. Left to cherish his memory are his companion, Claudia Pearce; son, Christopher Spear and wife, Shalawn; daughter, Torri Wilson and husband, Jason; sisters, Mary Ann Johnson and husband, A.D., Jean Keeton, Linda Bishop, Pat Mathias, Becky Bass and Cathy Ellsaesser and husband, Charlie; sister-in-law, Jeannie Mathias; brothers-in-law, William Williams and wife, Sandra, Harold Williams and wife, Marcy and Eddie Sikes and wife, Carol; grandchildren, Megan and husband, Trevor, Olivia, Chad, Kaleb, Tyler, Ciara and husband, Noah and Greenleigh; great-grandchildren, Merek and Jonathan and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to the Richard and Joan Mathias Scholarship Fund at the Cathedral School of St. John Berchmans, 947 Jordan St., Shreveport, LA 71101, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Loyola College Prep, 921 Jordan St., Shreveport, LA 71101.

Dad, you are the one who made the choice to love another’s child as their own, one who stepped up to provide, protect, encourage and love, you may not have given me the gift of life but you have given me the gift of you.